Savoring the Moment

Dear church family, 

Thanksgiving dinner is one of my favorite meals. I suppose it has something to do with nostalgia, happy memories, and a chance to enjoy a meal with loved ones. But I also delight in the basic food of the Thanksgiving table: turkey (both light and dark meat), cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie.  

I don’t want to eat that meal every day. But, once a year, I indulge myself in these familiar, comforting, delicious dishes.

What do you enjoy most about the Thanksgiving Holiday? 

Is it the food? 

Family traditions?

Hanging out with family and/or friends?

One of the things I enjoy most is the slower pace of the day. So much of my life as pastor and father to 3 active children, is a feeling of running to and from. But on Thanksgiving, I have time to cook and time to visit. No one has to rush off to a practice, work, or an appointment. 

I have noticed in the slowing down I reflect more and I am more grateful. 

I could easily wolf down a piece of pumpkin pie and quickly move on to something else. But in the leisure of Thanksgiving holiday, I take my time, savoring each bite. Noting the rich favor of the pumpkin filling. Feeling the flakiness of the crust on my tongue, and savoring the richness of the homemade whipped cream topping. In the slowing down, my delight increases and heightens my awareness of all the things that went into making the pie and the day possible. 

When was the last time you were able to savor the moment?

My prayer for you in the week ahead is that each one of you will slow down and savor the moment. May that lead to delight and a heightened sense of gratitude within you.

Don’t forget: This is the last week to purchase angel tree gifts and to return gloves and scarfs to help cloth the homeless this winter. 

With gratitude, 
Rodney Whitfield 
Senior Pastor