I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did, thanks for asking.
But this year I took the time to reflect on Thanksgivings past, and how this one
was different. Thanksgiving for us meant a big meal at Grandma's house, a huge
25 pound turkey, and sometimes a ham and a duck. The house would reek all day,
and of all the good things that go with it-mashed potatoes, corn, sweet
potatoes, rolls, and the smell of apple and pumpkin pies. Just waiting for
whipped cream to be piled high on them in this pre-Cool Whip generation. And
for my Dad it was his once a year oyster stuffing my Grandma made for him, all
for him as no one else would eat it, or even taste it. Then after a few rounds
of eating, and a small respite in front of the TV, we would retreat to the
kitchen, where my Grandparents would make us meals in old TV dinner trays to
take home, and so we could relive the meal one more time. No desserts were ever
included, as ice cream and pie were always in short supply by evening. An early
bed called as you were exhausted from all the activities, and then up early to
go to Hess Brothers, or Hess's as we called it.
Hess Brothers was an old line department store, high end like a Macy's or
Nordstrom's is today. We were up early on this Friday morning, no Black in it
yet, and off to Allentown. The store was four or five stories tall, and took up
an entire city block. We would all pack into Grandpa's Buick or Cadillac-all
six of us, and we were off. No rude or greedy people lining the streets waiting
for it to open, but we would huddle in the coffee shop across the street. And
we had a plan, as it took a plan, as the store would soon be filled with
customers. When the store opened at 9am, Grandpa would head for the downstairs
where The Patio was, Hess's restaurant, and get in line for its opening at
11am. The rest of us would go through the various clothing and shoe
departments, mesmerized by all the Christmas decorations. The large marble
columns would be wrapped in tinsel and signs of Santa were everywhere. It was
hot inside, and you not only had to carry the winter coat that felt so good
outside, but all the purchases made in your Hess's bright colored bags.
Lunch was special, and as I got older and found out girls didn't have
cooties, thought how cool the Patio was. As a kid they would serve your meal
on play stove, while models would walk around in the latest fashions, telling
you how much and which floor they could be purchased on. No stove for this big
guy, I was too busy staring. It was high end, and while still full from
yesterday, still found room for my hamburger, French fries, and Coke. With a
slice of strawberry pie big enough for all to share. One time my Grandpa
pointed to three men in a special booth, and told me one was Max Hess. Whether
he was or wasn't didn't matter, Grandpa knew who he was, which meant Grandpa
knew him. Boy was I impressed, and eating at the same time and place as Mr.
Hess. Maybe a special pass for what lied ahead, if only I wasn't to scared to
ask. For lunch was usually eaten fast as the high point of the day was drawing
closer, no dessert for me, c'mon parents-for the top floor was devoted to toys,
and toys only. Not only to buy, but with access to playing with them. Train
sets like we saw in the catalogs, and kids waiting in line to try out the newest
Lionel models. Slot cars sets, HO trains, electric robots, and other battery
operated toys, and all for you to play with. More time spent in line than
playing, but even watching had a magical effect. The hour devoted to this
always went too fast, and then it was out and back to the car-thank goodness for
good old American cars with huge trunks. And then back to Grandma's for, you
guessed it, more turkey. A fun day being out without all the rudeness of
today. Where the biggest bargain was being with your family, and playing with
the toys. And the countdown to Christmas had begun.
This year there was no oyster dressing as my Dad is gone, this the first
Thanksgiving without him. I hadn't had Thanksgiving with the family back east
in years, but somehow I still missed him. It was the one meal a year he would
say grace at, and we all were truly thankful for all we had. And even though we
weren't together, we are still family, which is now being redefined. As my
neighbor told of flying back to Indiana, then driving to Missouri-his parents
are divorced, it just doesn't seem to be the same. As some celebrate Christmas
and Thanksgiving over and over due to families breaking up, I am so blessed that
mine is intact. And as kids go from one parent to another, from step or half
this to another I get confused, no wonder they do. And as the family continues
to evolve through births and deaths, I would like to add a prayer for it. That
no matter what comes your way, you stay devoted to your families. Father be
dads, love your wife. Mothers be moms, and love you husband. Don't let the
kitchen be a strange place, or the dinner table an unknown area. Surround it
with love, and watch as others are drawn to it. And kids-all of us, respect
your parents, and love them, which is maybe the hardest thing sometimes. For a
time is coming when you may not have Grandma's turkey, no more TV trays for
future meals, and no more Hess's for the day after. We never fully miss what we
have until we don't have it any more.
But the key to a happy and prosperous home is Jesus. Keeping Him first,
inviting Him to your table often. Scripture tells us that man is head of the
house as Christ is the head of the church, and how He would even die to protect
us, which He did. By using His example of love instead of a divorce attorney's,
or Oprah's, or anyone else you can assure yourself of things to be thankful
for. And to this day I am. But if your situation isn't one like this, it can
be. It starts with you, and your decision to follow Jesus. Let Him be the head
of the house, which leaves more time for the family, and shopping at Hess's.
Your love will make you a better husband and father, your wife a better wife and
mother, and may even set an example for your kids to pass on.
So no matter your situation, be thankful. Give thanks with a grateful
heart because God has given us Jesus. Don't wait until the next holiday to
start, start now. Ask Jesus into your life. Take a different attitude towards
your wife, and your kids. Listen instead of yelling, and find the time spent at
the table is blessed instead of rushed. No one ever left eating with Jesus not
completely filled-an example for all of us. I hope He was with you this year,
if not invite Him to lunch today.
Corinthians tells us it the things not seen which are eternal, the things
seen will pass away. My Grandparents, my Dad, and even Hess's is gone. But
Jesus remains. Don't let a day pass without acknowledging Him in your life. He
is there, invisible, but ever present. Only those with faith can see the
invisible, it takes faith. He knows you, will you recognize Him if you saw
Him?
Thanksgiving-all to Jesus. Thanks for all you have done, are doing, and
will do. For my wife and family. Until that day we see you face to face, even
though we can't see you let us reflect the things of Christ in our lives. Now
that's true Thanksgiving.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com