Each of the four children have repeatedly expressed their excitement about Thanksgiving every day this week. They can’t wait to eat homemade macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens and cabbage, honey glazed ham, banana pudding (Yes Lord!), cakes, pies, and the list goes on and on.
They are ready!
So am I.
One of the Hobbs family traditions is to have everyone chip in with making dinner. Although I pretty much cook everything myself—soul food is my specialty—my husband Kenya and the kids are my helpers. They cut up vegetables, stir dishes, bake desserts, and other miscellaneous tasks like tasting all the food... repeatedly... "to make sure it's good."
While I absolutely love whipping up those tasty dishes they love, it is the pleasure of being together, laughing, and remembering what we are thankful for, that really makes Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays.
But this year, I have a unique challenge Daily Cup family.
Since having surgery on my left hand, there are still some things I have trouble doing. I’m a bit clumsier because my grab strength isn’t a hundred percent, and my hand gives out on me at the most inopportune times.
The other day, when I picked up a new gallon of milk, my wrist popped and sharp pain shot through my hand, all the way up my arm. Thank God the milk was still new and unopened! Otherwise, that would have been a mean clean-up job.
Knowing my limitations, I’m going to have to lean on Kenya and the kids a lot more to pull off my elaborate Thanksgiving dinner spread.
I know they don’t mind pitching in, but I have to get comfortable with the idea of operating in my new reality. I am adapting to a different set of circumstances that didn’t exist last year. So, in order to be in the moment and enjoy the experience fully, I have to prepare my mind. Instead of feeling blue about not being as strong or able as I was this time last year, I have to lean on those who are here to help me through it.
But learning to lean is not always easy is it?
As women (men can relate to this too), we like to be able to handle things and get them all done in a flash, right? But there are some seasons when God will allow our circumstances to teach us that we cannot do it all on our own, no matter how hard we try.
We have to learn to receive help and even more importantly, be thankful that God has blessed us with assistance in our time of need.
The fact that God has placed the people or resources we need in our path is a demonstration of His love and favor. As long as we aren’t too proud to reach out for help, our seasons of weakness, lack, and struggle will be made a lot easier to bear.
Perhaps you, like me, are going through something that has placed you in a position of need. Whatever that may be, know that God is able to provide for you right where you are.
I know your need may not be like mine, but we all need something. Amen?
Whether it is material, physical, spiritual, or emotional, or some combination of all these, God is a provider, and a very present help in our time of trouble.
Just learn to lean on the Lord, your ultimate source.
To remind you of His ability to help you, I’m adding a familiar passage of scripture found in Philippians 4:19 to your cup of inspiration. It says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded that you can always lean on Jesus.
He’ll never let you fall.
Now let’s pray.
Father, instead of complaining about not being exactly where I want to be, I want to take this time to thank You for mercy and divine help in this season. Although I may not be able to fully help myself in the way I would like to, You have not left me helpless, and for that, You are worthy of my praise. Whenever I feel sad, or restless about any specific setbacks in my life, please remind me that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness, and everything I need, I can find it in You. Though it doesn't always feel good, thank You, oh Lord, for teaching me to lean on You, my source, my strength, my all! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
