I have spent most of my adult life away from home during the holidays. For a woman fiercely loyal to time with family, that absence has never been easy. God, in His mercy, graciously provided a family connection through the years with precious friends. While some years’ celebrations had the comfortable feel of familiarity, others have had the adventuresome spirit of new friends and surroundings. God has shown me that thankfulness depends upon my own heart. Thank You, Lord, for each experience as I learned to savor the old and embrace the new.

I wrote the following poem as I reflected on those early years away from home and the lessons I had to learn along the way.

A Thankful Heart

Saying thank you
this time of year,
obligatory acknowledgments and half-hearted best wishes
sound forced and insincere.

I set aside my to-do list,
the wish I were somewhere else thoughts,
and lackluster attempts
to appear as I am not.

A single tear escapes.

I remember when the holiday meal
was accompanied by laughter and cheer.

Schedules were flexible
and relatives arrived when they could.

Delicious smells filled the house,
children played games outside.

Childhood stories were retold,
drowning out any grumblings
that our food might get cold.

This year,
I am so thankful
for those holidays long past.

Away from home,
I remind myself …

Each Thanksgiving holiday
must always begin and end
with my own grateful heart.

by
Delores Brouillette Adams

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (ESV, Col. 3:15)