This Thanksgiving was truly a special Thanksgiving. My heart was touched and God opened my eyes to all the blessings which He has given me.
Growing up, Thanksgiving for my family included food, fun and family. There is always a savory aroma of the turkey, ham and other endless dishes. Food beyond what is possible to eat. We always have extended family over. Kids are running every where and the adults chit chat. There is always a hustle and bustle in the kitchen before and full bellies after.
This Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to have dinner with Trevor's mom, aunt, and her kids. I didn't have enough time off to travel to Idaho. We were asked to bring
mashed potatoes and yams. Both of which were no problem. Time came for us to head over, to Trevor's aunt's home. We brought our dishes with us and were welcomed warmly by Trevor's mom, into their home. The turkey was just about done, the table was all set with the best table cloth. There were drinks on the table, along with stuffing, salad, cashews, corn, olives, chips, and my mashed potatoes and yams. Soon we all gathered for dinner. Trevor's mother, proudly cut the turkey. It was very simple, no fancy seasonings, just a turkey. Trevor's mom was dressed in her best. A button down shirt and slacks, her hair was done very nicely and she had worked extra hard on her makeup.
We all sat down, all 7 of us. I was asked to pray on the food, then we dished up. I looked over the table. Compared to previous Thanksgivings, this meal was so humble. I later found out that Their home teachers brought over the food so they could have a Thanksgiving. After a few moments of eating, Trevor's aunt exclaimed. "Isn't this a wonderful meal! Look at all this food!"
In that moment, God truly taught me a lesson, he reminded me, and opened my eyes to how blessed I've been throughout my life, even now. I looked out at the table, every dish for dinner could fit on the table. It was all very simple. No fancy work with spices or fresh vegetables or fruit. Simple, but the best. The family was very proud of their meal.
We had about 20 minutes where the whole family was together, shortly after the dessert was served, the table deserted and Trevor, me, and his mom were left. I believe in leaving a place better than I found it, so we helped clean up dinner so she didn't have to do it herself. As we washed the dishes and put items away, I couldn't help but notice near empty cupboards.
My heart was filled with gratitude towards God and love towards this family. We hear of families who are struggling, or may not be as fortunate as us. But during that dinner, I was privileged to sit at a table of a family, very different from the one I grew up in. My eyes were opened in ways that words cannot completely describe.
From that dinner, God was able to show me so much. My eyes were opened to see how truly blessed I am. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in a whole family, with a priesthood leader always in the home. I'm fortunate to have married a worthy priesthood holder, to live in a home that's been blessed. I know I can go home every day to cupboards that are full. I have so many family members who would drop everything and run to my aid if I ever needed it. I have been so blessed temporally and spiritually. God has placed me here on earth during a time with the fullness of the gospel is on the earth. Not only that, but to have been born into a family that is strong in the church. Parents, aunt and uncles, cousins and grandparents, all belong and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This Thanksgiving was truly one of gratitude to God. This was a time when I was reminded on how blessed I am.
Because I have been given much, I too must give.
Those words mean something new now. I have renewed energy to be a better christian and disciple of Jesus Christ. I am no longer blind to the endless blessings that God has so graciously given me. Tears have been brought to my eyes as I think and share my experiences of this Thanksgiving. I am so blessed, and I never truly realized it. I know that God opened my eyes for I cannot deny the things which I have learned and felt this Thanksgiving season. I hope everyone who reads this can look at their lives, and see how God has blessed them, great and small. Look inward, then look outward. Find those who you can help and give to. Regardless of our circumstances, God will bless us for our faithfulness and obedience to the laws of the gospel. For in them, there is safety and peace.
Happy Holidays!
-SamiMae
