When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday because of the food. Of course, being around family was always a bonus, but I love a good Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, and homemade gravy. And, don’t forget the homemade biscuits. Mmmmm, yummy. My mouth is watering just thinking about the food.
As I get older, I don’t crave the Thanksgiving meal as much as I crave time to breathe in and exhale with my family and friends. I can have the Thanksgiving meal any day of the week but sitting around the table, listening to my elders tell stories I’ve probably heard a thousand times while watching the next generation devour every word is priceless. Then, I take a deep breath and exhale and it feels as if the weight of all the months leading up to this season has lifted.
Taking a deep breath improves sleep and concentration. Taking a deep breath reduces stress. Taking a deep breath reminds us how close we are to God because His breath gave us life.
Genesis 2:7 reads: Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living person. [NASB]
We all experience Thanksgiving in different ways, and some may not experience it at all. This may be a time of joy for you, but for others, it may be a time of sorrow because of insurmountable grief. Regardless, take a deep breath and exhale, knowing that God is with you and has breathed His life into you! I don’t always practice what I preach, so maybe I need to take my advice.
There have been many times when all I needed to do was breathe in and exhale, but I gave into the stress that overwhelmed me instead of relying on the peace that surpasses all understanding. I hope you rely on the peace that only God provides. His peace is better than any Thanksgiving meal I have ever had. His peace is everlasting. His peace is eternal.
I pray that your Thanksgiving is peaceful as you take a deep breath and exhale.
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