In 1999, my mother and father both lost their own mothers to cancer. With these sudden losses, our Thanksgiving table that year looked very different from those prior. We went from having two huge Thanksgiving feasts with both sides of the family, full of laughter and festivities, to having a lonely little meal by ourselves while mourning. It was such an odd holiday: quiet, subdued, and empty.
As we got through the holiday season that year, my parents came to my brother Joseph and I, and presented us with a question...
"How would you feel if we tried to have another baby?"
At 11 and 7, we could understand the concept of adding to our family so Joe and I were absolutely elated at the idea! To have another person in our family after we just lost two? Another Greenberg to call our own after moving away from all our extended family? Of course they should make a baby!
With our wholehearted approval, my parents began trying to conceive. Within three months, God blessed my mother with a healthy pregnancy and by February 2001, Simeon was born! This little bundle of joy brought such refreshing to our bruised spirits. Life felt new and fresh again as we all watched him grow and experience the world around him.
For as much as that lonesome Thanksgiving felt awful, it was the spark that led to something beautiful: our baby brother. I wouldn't trade that for all the turkey and mashed potatoes in the world. And every Thanksgiving, I say a special prayer of thanks for that lonely meal. Because without it, we wouldn't have been ready to receive the gift that God had waiting for our family.
Sometimes, sorrow and loneliness are the precursor to joy and abundance. And even if this year is hard, you can do things now through prayer and petition to make next year better! Look at how Yeshua encourages us to look to the future!
"So also you have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you! In that day, you will ask Me nothing. Amen, amen I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Up to now, you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be full."
- John 16:22-24 TLV
So, if you're struggling this Thanksgiving, take some time to pray and ask the Lord to reveal what He wants to give back to you in this season of giving. If you ask, you will receive! Whether it's more faces around the table, renewed dreams for the future, or motivation to complete something from the past, our Heavenly Father is just waiting to give to you. These times of reflection are critical for us to take stock of our existence and move forward with His blessings.
And while we mostly focus on the "thanks" part of the holiday, by expressing gratitude and being gracious to our families around a giant feast together, it's also super important to remember the "giving" part of the holiday. Please prayerfully consider getting a TLV Bible for your loved ones this holiday season and don't be stingy with your time for the little ones in your life! If they don't like stuffing or cranberry sauce, they're still sure to love your attention and care. Small acts of kindness and generosity go a long way towards investing in the growth of relationships. Something as simple as a handwritten card or a sweet treat delivered to their door can plant seeds of warmth that will blossom in the Springtime. Sweet and gentle acts are a small way to emulate our Messiah and restore people's faith. So give it a try!
"Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua."
- Philippians 4:5-7 TLV
From our family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
