Everyone out there has a specific food that they like to eat during Thanksgiving. Even if you don’t cook, you most surely have something that is your favorite, whether it be Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Casserole, or the popular Deep Fried Turkey.
I have had many discussions with people who “believe” that they make the best Turkey and Dressing ever. I wouldn’t know. I have never been able to make good Dressing. I don’t like to follow recipes very much, so unless it comes from a can, I wouldn’t call anything that I make, the best.
My Mother, however, is a fantastic cook. My Dad gave her a raving review after every meal. Seriously. After every meal, he would say, “That was a good dinner Sugar Babe!” Then he’d hug and kiss her. Always.
Mom taught me how to make biscuits and gravy, and gave me all kinds of cooking tips along the way. So, when I opened a can of Double Luck green beans yesterday, I could hear her voice in my head saying “Don’t forget to get out that one stem that’s in every can.” I couldn’t help but laugh. For years I have looked for “that one stem” and sure enough, it’s in every can just like she said.
Who knows why. No one eats that stem, yet it makes it into every can. I somehow think that it should be like the wishbone in the turkey. Find the stem, make a wish! As silly as this may sound, that little stem caught my attention more seriously this time.
One of the most common things that people often ask is, “Where was God?” Especially when bad things happen. Even as a Christian, sometimes it’s a struggle to “see” God in certain situations. The fact that God is a loving, caring, and righteous God, makes it hard to see how He could be in all things. Maybe it’s because during the hard, trying and most difficult times in life, the feeling of being hurt, distraught, overwhelmed, and hopeless completely overshadows the hope, comfort, and peace that God promises to give.
"God couldn’t possibly be in the midst of my addiction, could he? He couldn’t be with me in the throes of a messy divorce or dysfunctional family, could he? Certainly not when I’m down to my last dollar and facing bankruptcy or sitting by the bedside as my loved one slips away." That’s a “can of heartache” that a good and loving God doesn’t seem to be present in, right? Think again. “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Not only is God with you in those difficult times, but He was already there before you ever began to experience that difficulty. He was waiting to comfort, prepared to help, and ready to rescue you.
I can’t understand the “How” and “Why” of it all, but I know it to be true, for His word tells me so, and my life has been a testament to it.
Just like that stem in the can, He’s there every single time, without fail. It’s for no glory of my own, but for His alone. God is there. He will always be there. The presence of God in ALL things is something to be grateful for as we begin to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
