First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Difference a Day Made

Linda Soller | Nov 28, 2022

As a child I loved Thanksgiving. We always went to my Granny’s house. The grown-ups would eat in the dining room and we kids were in the kitchen. The day was lively and filled with good food, and I loved it. Granny would have one wrapped Christmas present for each of us kids sitting on the stairs. We didn’t open them, but it signaled the beginning of the holidays in the very best way, with anticipation. It was a day full of family. It helped that it was close to my birthday because she also made sure to have my favorite chocolate cake with chocolate icing as a desert.  I appreciate that effort even more now that the family Thanksgiving celebration is at my house. As a kid I didn’t think of the inconvenience of making an extra item for me on top of all the holiday food. But I know it made me feel loved. 

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I find myself enjoying all the old Thanksgiving memories. I think about what my children and grandchildren will remember of these times. There was a rocky start to Linda hosting the holiday. I had a very difficult time relaxing and enjoying the day. I’m pretty sure my girls will remember that. But with time I have come to be more comfortable with the imperfection of my entertaining skills, and I treasure those same things that made the holiday so special to me as a child. Family, friends, good food, laughter, and sharing time are what it’s all about. It’s a good launching point into the busy Christmas and New Year season if we can remember what makes Thanksgiving Day special as we wade through the hyper-activity that has become Christmas. If we can begin the advent season feeling the love and caring that we share with family and friends on Thanksgiving perhaps we can better focus on the real meaning of Christmas. And if you are able to do that then you too will know what a difference a day made in your life.

Be the love in the world  : )   Linda