Something I read recently got me to thinking about bridges. Anyone my age who’s familiar with North Alabama will recognize the picture of the old Keller Memorial bridge in Decatur, AL. I think a dozen or more posts could come from memories created in my mind from this picture alone. I, like so many others, loved this old bridge. And, it’s a shame it had to be removed years ago. But, this post is not about this bridge in particular. It’s about Thanksgiving Day and how it’s like a bridge.
A bridge to the past…
By the time a child reaches the age of six or seven, Thanksgiving already holds memories. Obviously, as we age the depth and richness of those flashes from the past expand. Memories of good food, good times, and family grow into a huge mental album we can, access if we take the time to “look”. That’s one of the things I want to do this year. I want to get quiet for a few minutes, cross that bridge to the past, and enjoy again as many sights, sounds, smells, and tastes as I can from Thanksgiving Days that are just waiting in my memory bank.
A bridge to relationships…
Relationships are at the heart of Thanksgiving, don’t you think? It’s a time we get to sit down and eat with our family. In some cases, it may be the only chance we’ll have to do that during a whole year. Then, once in a while there’ll be a neighbor or friend who’s at our table because circumstances are keeping them far from home on this special day. But, no matter whether it’s a once-a-year event or not, Thanksgiving is a unique bridge for building and enriching relationships.
A bridge to the future…
If there are any children at your Thanksgiving gathering this year, you’ll be a part of building a bridge to their future. Yes, Thanksgiving 2015 will soon become a memory for them, too. More than that, you and I will exert an influence on them. Kids are powerful sponges soaking up attitudes, words, traditions, and more. They’ll cross a bridge toward what Thanksgiving Day’s of their future will look like. If we don’t accomplish anything else this year, let’s resolve to connect them to the One to whom we’re giving thanks.
A bridge to spiritual peace…
In a way like few other Thanksgiving seasons, peace on Earth seems to be far away. But, spiritual peace is not affected by current events, global or personal. A grateful heart is a strong bridge to peace. It’s true. The Bible says so.
…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
Don’t just build a bridge…get over it!
Sure, Thanksgiving will be hard for some families who are struggling with serious issues. And, I for one have been guilty of allowing my attitude to sour for totally insignificant reasons at times. This year, and in the future, I’m gonna remember and use the bridges created by a Day of Thanksgiving. How about you?
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