“Thanksgivukkah” – where thankfulness, faithfulness, and light converge
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5)
Gathering around the old accordion!
Our first North Carolina Thanksgiving was most definitely a success. It helps, of course, when eleven people are coming but you still fix enough food for 25!
Thursday dawned cold and clear. It was the kind of day where we could have a roaring fire going, where people head outside for short walks then come in to stand in front of the hearth rubbing their hands together, and where they start stories with phrases like, “The coldest Thanksgiving I ever remember was…”.
Our huge Turkey was beautiful, the various side-dishes, vegetables, and desserts were plentiful, and everything complemented absolutely everything else to perfection.
We crowded into the kitchen around 3:00, and I offered a blessing. God always places something appropriate on my heart, so I’ll share what I said:
Cousins: Reed, Micah, Andrew
“Today, and for possibly the last time in several thousands of years, the juxtaposition of calendars, and stars, and traditions have produced the unique celebration that will forever be remembered as Thanksgivukkah; I’m sure we’ve all read about it on the Internet.
“Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, and Hanukkah is the celebration of God’s unfailing provision and constant light. But for us, here today, such a confluence of God’s great consistent love and our thankful hearts is a phenomenon we can recognize and respond to every single day.
“So we thank God for this bountiful feast, for this good family, and for God’s faithfulness through all the generations. Amen.”
AUTHENTIC WITNESS: Then we sat down around the table, and after a while – once everyone had begun to make good progress on their (first) plate – I asked the time-honored question, “What are you especially thankful for, today?”
Alicia and Andrew cooking
Everyone shared words of genuine gratitude, but it was our son, Andrew, who made every family member catch their breath. “I am thankful today,” he said, looking directly at his bride, Alicia, “that I will never again have to worry about what to say for an answer to that question.”
I think that, for every parent in the world, there’s not a sweeter thought than the knowledge that our children are happy, and at peace.
So I’d like to offer a special word of thanks to Alicia Pashby Maul, for loving our Andrew so well; and to Craig Campbell, who makes Naomi smile, and who is such a good daddy to our grandchildren.
PEACE: And the day passed into evening, and we trundled out the pies and the coffee and the hot tea, (and the accordion!) and eventually our guests made their way into the frosty night.
Maul Hall knew a good day of celebration and peace. Our first Thanksgiving in North Carolina. A sign of much faithful love and deep gratitude to come.
Gobble Gobble!
This year mom and I went to Los Angeles to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. It was a first. We usually share alone being content in our small world. Her sister, my aunt hosted this fabulous gettogether and my cousin Fizz came from Atlanta. Hadn’t seen her in 25 years. My heart rejoiced. We visited her sister in the hospital here at USC Medical. We brought food and had a glorious time. I am thankful to God for our family reunion.
Maul Hall knew a good day of celebration and peace. Our first Thanksgiving in North Carolina. A sign of much faithful love and deep gratitude to come.
Gobble Gobble!
This year mom and I went to Los Angeles to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. It was a first. We usually share alone being content in our small world. Her sister, my aunt hosted this fabulous gettogether and my cousin Fizz came from Atlanta. Hadn’t seen her in 25 years. My heart rejoiced. We visited her sister in the hospital here at USC Medical. We brought food and had a glorious time. I am thankful to God for our family reunion.