1413 It’s Not What You Think

Gatherings can be so much fun. But they can be stressful too. There are times you even want to distance yourself from them.

I must say that my husband and I were very spoiled this year. Two Thanksgiving celebrations at our home, all with our children and my daughter’s boyfriend. And yes, that means two 22 lbs turkeys.

As my husband was driving home Wednesday, he spoke about how excited he was to have everyone home. He almost started to cry.

Then Thanksgiving day arrives, the turkey ready, time to gather around the table.

“Let us pray.”

What is it about this phrase that clinches my heart? I began to feel the swell up in my eyes. Time for the waterworks!

In the brief moment of prayer, my thoughts went from heartbreak for those dealing with catastrophic wildfires, hurricanes, and unexpected senseless deaths to heart-stopping joy for the blessings before me.

Gatherings are not always what you think. Sometimes good. Sometime bad. But it’s usually not the company, but the expectations.

When your expectations cloud your gatherings, let the promises of your heart ring louder than your expectations.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Let your heart speak louder!

As complicated as life is, your heart speaks louder. But our busyness and expectations suppress what really matters.

Do you really think how brown and basted your turkey was made your Thanksgiving?

To you as the cook, it probably did. But to others…If it was edible and half as good as you thought it should be, then it was a home run.

So the turkey that didn’t live up to your expectations disrupted your emotions and maybe you were a little more fussy (really for no reason by your own expectations).

Let your heart speak louder.

1. Silence what doesn’t matter. No self-imposed expectations.
2. Focus on the relationships. It’s what really matters.
3. Be present in your heart. Know what you feel.

Your gatherings still can be filled with joy and happiness. Let go of what doesn’t matter…your expectations.