Light Up Your Thanksgiving Table!

A little Thanksgiving inspo for you and yours

Try something new this Thanksgiving with your nearest and dearest.

Shine brightly! Spread hope and cheer.

It's been a tough one this year, I think we can all agree. But God's Word is clear that if we fix our minds on all we're grateful for, our hearts can be flooded with the joy and peace that comes through Jesus alone. This is the secret that Paul mentions in scripture when he talks about being content in all circumstances (Phil. 4:11-13).

And so it's in this same spirit, that I want to offer you some simple, practical inspiration for a gratitude-related activity you might try in your own Thanksgiving observations this year, whether within your small social bubble, spread across a driveway with masks on, or even virtually with those you most want to hug right now.

“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Try This: Gratitude Candle Activity

Every year, we invite our own small batches of disciples and their families to gather with us around the dinner table at our house. We have a big ‘ol Friendsgiving potluck and ask each person, young and old, to bring a candle of any kind along with them (and have some extras on hand just in case). After we finish eating, we crowd around the table and take turns, one at a time, lighting the candle we brought and sharing one thing we’re personally gratefulfor this year.

Sometimes, folks have shared a silly thought, like skittles or baseball, and other times it's sounded more like making it through personal trauma or experiencing hope despite deep pain. I can't begin to tell you how meaningful this moment, this shared experience, has become to us over the years, and it's one that folks have asked to be invited to again and even repeated within their own small batch communities of faith. It's amazing how powerful one small light can be in the darkness of this world - and how brightly we shine when we come together as God intended us to be.

I encourage you to give it a try this year, too! And as with all our suggestions, you're invited to put your own signature touch on things - to make it work for you and make it uniquely your own. I'm praying this simple, little idea will shine light into the darkness as we collectively call out God's goodness - even in times like these.

And indeed, we have so much to be grateful for.

If you give this a try this year at your tables, be sure to drop me a line and let me know how it went - or better still, tag me in a picture of your experience on Instagram or Facebook @tracysullivandiscipleship