The Turkey and I
The turkey arrived, warm, on its plate And I, with my appetite But the empty chairs, just sat and stared And mourned for the guests not there.
Different and difficult. This Thanksgiving will be different, for sure. A lot of turkeys will be surrounded by staring, empty chairs.
This pandemic has brought loss into all our lives. During the holidays, the loss may be especially difficult, whether from a cancelled family get-together or a loved ones taken by the virus.
The last reading in my new book* (coming soon), After Loss: courage and healing through God’s grace, refers to the pandemic. Perhaps the words will encourage you.
New world
When 2020 dawned, few could imagine what the year would hold. A deadly virus. Face masks. Social distancing. Remote contact.
Our world changed, but it was difficult to envision that change before it happened.
Likewise, it is difficult to imagine sorrows erased when we are in misery. Life may be filled with torment of an abducted relationship through rejection or death. Or physical agony. Or the emotional pain of fear of the future or regrets of the past.
For the child of God, one day total joy in God‘s presence will replace suffering. It is almost too difficult to believe. Yet God’s Word promises exactly that.
The difficulty you face is real, but so is your eternity with God. Be encouraged with the future reality. Listen to songs or read scriptures about heaven. Imagine Jesus preparing a place for you right now.
Had we known ahead of time, we would not have looked forward to living in a global pandemic. But it is delightful to consider our heavenly home. A place free from affliction and loss and full of joy. A new world.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Instead of focusing on what has been lost this Thanksgiving, contemplate your eternal home in heaven which will never be touched by pain or affliction or loss. And give thanks for the turkey or for whatever your provisions are for the day.
*If you would like to be notified when After Loss: courage and healing through God’s grace is available, please email me at Lyn@ForeverWaters.com. I will contact you when the book is out and you may order it from Amazon or from myself.
