Month: November 2025

Thanksgiving… Are You Malnourished?

Years ago, I heard a story about a little boy who was having Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  After dinner was over, Grandma asked the boy if he liked the turkey.

“No, I didn’t like the turkey,” he responded, “but I sure liked the bread he ate.”

While the traditional centerpiece of the dinner was not his favorite, the stuffing was a huge hit.  Distaste for the turkey did not ruin the boy’s dinner – he simply looked for and found something else he could enjoy and celebrate.

There are times in our lives when we are dissatisfied with situations, circumstances, or occurrences.   That unhappiness can easily intrude on our spirits and become our primary focus – limiting us from seeing anything except the angst and discontent.   The truth is our holiday experience will not be satisfying until we look for all the blessings that exist beyond the turkey.

Every one of us will likely gorge ourselves physically this holiday season.  We will enjoy dinner, follow it up with dessert, then indulge in a turkey sandwich chaser.  But it is our spirit we must be mindful to nourish.  We must acknowledge God’s blessings – both large and small.  We must focus on the good that exists – because there is good to be found.  We must allow our hearts to express gratitude – for all the things we can celebrate.     

Simply put, let us be thankful for the stuffing.

For more on this topic, please visit the Whimspiration YouTube channel “Faith Hope & Friends”.

Episode 65- Thanksgiving… Are You Malnourished?

Tis the Season

Yesterday, just a few days into the month of November, I was picking up a few items at a local Walmart.  Stopping in the toy aisle to marvel at the myriad of choices kids have now days, I became aware of voices of young men drawing closer to the aisle where I was standing.  There was a lively, rambunctiousness in their tone – but not in an obnoxious, disorderly way – rather more excited and enthusiastic.

When they turned into the aisle, there stood six strapping young men – likely high school juniors or seniors, quite possibly football players.   It looked as if they were on a frenzied shopping spree for children much younger than they.  In their arms they carried Play-Doh, stuffed animals, games, and a junior baseball mitt.  They paused for a moment to eagerly discuss the “what else” possibilities, with one finally chiming in – “what about some paper and crayons?”  With that they were off – excitedly in search of more treasures.

I don’t know if the young men were shopping for a Christmas toy drive for a school or church, what I do know, though, is they were experiencing pure joy.  Joy that they were responding to a need; joy that they were able to provide Christmas smiles; joy that comes from looking beyond ourselves.

This year, when we hear the phrase “tis the season”, may we remind our hearts that we are responsible for the amount of joy the season brings.  May we be aware of opportunities to look beyond ourselves – to pay for a strangers cup of coffee, to leave an exceptional tip when dining, to deliver a plate of cookies to a senior neighbor, to hum a Christmas song while shopping, to slow down long enough to enjoy Christmas lights and decorations, or to simply say Merry Christmas.

Tis the season for joy.  Let us indulge.

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