Gratitude or Grief
Every November, I usually watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. This television animated movie, based on a comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, aired in 1973.
It starts with Lucy van Pelt’s opening scene asking Charlie Brown to kick a ball as a thanksgiving tradition. She pulls away from the ball stating that some traditions should be discontinued. Good grief. But as Brown’s family prepares to leave to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmother’s home, he receives a call from Peppermint Patty. Since she is alone for Thanksgiving, she invites herself, Marcie and Franklin to a dinner without his consent. Good grief. With Linus’ support, Charlie Brown decides to prepare for two dinners; one with his friends and the other with his family. Good grief…
“I can’t cook a Thanksgiving dinner. All I can make is cold cereal and maybe toast.” — Charlie Brown
“What kind of Thanksgiving dinner is this? Where’s the turkey, Chuck? Don’t you know anything about Thanksgiving dinners? Where’s the mashed potatoes? Where’s the cranberry sauce? Where’s the pumpkin pie?” — Peppermint Patty
“What’s this? A piece of toast? A pretzel stick? Popcorn? What blockhead cooked all this?” — Peppermint Patty
“Holidays always depress me.” — Charlie Brown
We can learn a lot from the Peanuts gang. During the holidays, if we aren’t careful, we set unrealistic expectations which may leave us overwhelmed and depressed. And like Charlie Brown, we find ourselves sighing his catchphrase—good grief. But towards the end of the movie, Marcie explains what Thanksgiving means to her.
“I don’t feel bad for myself; I just feel bad because I’ve ruined everyone’s Thanksgiving.” — Charlie Brown
“But Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that’s what they mean by ‘Thanksgiving’, Charlie Brown.” — Marcie
We can learn a lot from the Peanuts gang. Thanksgiving represents more than turkey, rice and gravy, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato pie. It’s a time to gather with family and friends and really reflect about all of the Lord’s blessings.
This year I suffered health challenges, mourned the death of several family members who transitioned home, and felt my faith weakened over these struggles. Maybe you experienced similar hardships. Maybe you are still going through tough times. What do you and I do in the darkest of times? Do we throw up our hands and sigh, good grief?
No, the Bible tells us to give thanks in all things (Philippians 4:6). So, in the midst of my struggles, I still find so much to be grateful for in this life. I have a husband and children who love and care for me; three beautiful healthy grandchildren; a loving sister and other family members. The Lord gave me wonderful friends to encourage and walk with me. He provided a roof over my head, clothes to wear, and plenty of food to eat. He healed me, comforted my heart, and strengthen my faith. Most of all, I live in gratitude for salvation and the freedom to worship Him! Gratitude… not grief.
What about you? If this Thanksgiving clouds you with tragedy, disappointment, health issues, or hardship, look beyond the present. Find at least one thing for which to give thanks.
Instead of focusing on the Thanksgiving feast, focus on Jesus and the sacrifice He made to give you eternal life. Open up your ears to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. Allow your heart to feast on Scripture. Chew on His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what you go through. Take time to count your blessings. You will discover so many things for which you can give thanks. Gratitude will overflow.
I don’t know about you, but when I count my blessings, gratitude fills my heart. This life holds many challenges, but I still give thanks because the next life will be more than I can imagine. I will experience no more health issues, embrace my loved ones, and see my Savior face to face. Why? Simply …
