Tonight is the night! I’m putting on my apron and setting it off in the kitchen my dear Daily Cup family. I delight in spending hours on Thanksgiving Eve preparing all the soul food dishes the Hobbs family loves so much.
The sweet aroma of candied yams wafting through the air, mixed with the smell of greens and homemade mac-n-cheese awakens my senses. It’s just awesome.
Even though there are six of us under one roof, I’m the only Hobbs that actually does any cooking. The four children and my husband Kenya are chef’s assistants, and excellent ones might I add.
They help slice, dice and prep. It makes my job a whole lot easier too.
But when it comes to actually whipping up the must-have homemade entrees for the holidays, minus the cakes and pies, “Chef Boyardee-anna” gets it popping all on her own.
I know some solo-cooking wives and mothers who dread the task. They don’t at all look forward to the hours and hours of boiling, broiling, baking, and mixing it takes to create the scrumptious Thanksgiving spread. I suppose it can be a lot, so I understand.
But I take special pleasure in it, especially after my illness in 2011.
For a while there, I couldn’t cook, clean, or do anything that required lifting or coordination. Picking up a feather was nearly impossible, since I was unable to grasp, clench, or squeeze. So you can imagine how unsuccessful I was trying to carry an item with a bit of weight to it. My poor left hand would shake and tremble, just like a leaf in the wind.
It was useless.
So now, I have extra pep in my step and a joyful song in my heart while I’m fulfilling my domestic roles. I focus on the fact that somebody out there in the world facing serious health challenges, wishes they were strong and able-bodied. They would give anything to be able to cook, walk around, or just bend over to slide a pan onto a rack in a hot oven.
There are families right now struggling. They don’t even have enough income to purchase any food to cook on Thanksgiving. They would rejoice to have their refrigerator and cupboards full of items needing to be prepared for supper.
Consider the homeless. They have no roof over their heads or kitchen to place a stove in.
You’re blessed. I’m blessed. We’re blessed.
We have so much to be thankful for and yet, we often identify so many reasons to complain, moan, and stress.
But today, I’m challenging you to look at what you do have. Consider the fact that while you are complaining about your “raggedy shoes,” somebody somewhere would give anything just to have a pair of shoes to walk in.
Again, you’re blessed.
To remind you to appreciate it all, I’m stirring Ephesians 5:20 ESV into your cup of inspiration which tells us what we should be doing is, “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you drink down your warm “cup of thankfulness” today, may your heart be filled with gratitude and appreciation for all God has done. I pray you’ll be inspired to stop focusing on what is missing from your life and celebrate all the blessings God has already granted in this lifetime.
And finally, from the Hobbs family to your family, Happy Thanksgiving!
Let’s pray.
God, thank You for your manifold blessings in my life. I appreciate You opening my eyes and helping me see all the wonderful reasons I have to be grateful. When I am tempted to complain, remind me that my life is full of bounty because You are rich in love, mercy, and faithfulness toward me every single day! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
