Thanksgiving.
A sabbath of rest becomes a day of frantic toil.
A celebration of life becomes an obligation of duty.
Joy becomes anger.
Family becomes conflict.
Gratitude for what we have, what we have been given
becomes anxiety;
questions;
over what we do not have;
where will the money come from;
you only 'worked' two days this week;
will the turkey be done on time.
Together becomes strife,
three people-
three different rooms.
A favorite holiday
becomes a source of pain.
i want to cry.
i want to scream.
i want to complain
on this day of Thanks.
i want to lament.
i want to be angry,
violently,
righteously,
angry.
It is stupid!
It is unfair!
It is a waste of the gifts we have been given!
It is poor use of the time we have been given!
It is unfaithful stewardship of the lives we have been given!
Gifts!
Given.
Thanks-giving.
You are the gift giver.
You are the covenant God.
Who made us your family.
Who married yourself to a people,
a bitter,
angry,
fearful,
ungrateful
people.
It makes me want to speak!
To sing!
To praise!
I want to give thanks to you, O God!
I want to be grateful!
i am too small for this test.
But where i am weak
You are stronger still.
Where hopelessness abounds,
Your grace is more.
When i lose faith
You are the greatest,
surest,
most faithful,
reliable,
hopeful hope!
Your promise is everlasting to everlasting!
Unbreakable.
Unshakeable.
Unfaked.
Fully baked.
Ready at the perfect time.
More than enough.
Overflowing.
Pressed down.
Settled.
Rested.
Joyous.
Sweet.
Salted with tears wept for me.
You have grieved over us.
You have danced over us.
You have sang over us.
You have died for us.
You live for us.
You love us.
Thank you!
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
