- Prepare -

A day of much feasting will of course require a day of much preparation.

Unless you’re going to aunt Betty’s and are grabbing a pumpkin pie from Costo.

But if you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, or any big meal, you know that there’s much to do in advance to ensure things turn out the way you hope. 

I envision moist turkey with crisp skin, herby stuffing, & tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, so I made my list for Wednesday which includes brining the turkey, chopping and mincing veggies, herbs, cranberries, apples and oranges.  

I’m picturing my table decorated in a casual/comfy assemblage of old glass vases with sprigs of green and loads of candles, so to prepare I’ll be gathering table linens and clipping ferns and laurels. 

Cleaning bathrooms and sweeping made the list too because a clean house feels peaceable to me.

Just as my preparations for Thanksgiving support my hopes for the day, I’m asking God how to prepare my heart for the things that I’m hoping for.   

Meaningful conversations around the table that kindle love and knit hearts.  

An ease in sharing what our hearts are thankful for.

Gratitude that is growing and becoming an intrinsic part of who I am and how I think and talk and live. Everyday. Not just holidays.

How do I prepare for these hopes? 

I think it’s partly connected to yesterday’s word, “notice”. Do I notice the gifts God is giving me?

Are my physical senses paying attention to beauty, tastes, sounds and touches from Him that can stir gratitude? 

Preparation for food and home are usually active,  

but preparation for the spirit and soul are often inactive.

Quiet. Rest. Waiting on God. Receiving His love. Noticing Him. Breathing deeply and slowly.

Father, I’m busy, have a long list and feel like I need to accomplish a lot this day to prepare for tomorrow, yet I hear Your invitation to stop and prepare the most essential parts of me. It’s hard!  It could feel “less important” and I could easily tack it on to the end of my day.  But I’ll rearrange that list and start with you.  In fact, I think I’ll set an alarm and rest with you mid-day too.