The season of thanksgiving and gratefulness is upon us, my friends. I pray it is a joyful time full of thanks and gratitude for God’s bountiful rich blessings.
Amid all the joy of celebration, this season can sometimes be a challenge for many of us. Especially if there is an empty seat at our table.
Or perhaps health issues restrict our ability to spend the day as we would like. Maybe there are those we wish were with us, but who are unable to join us for whatever reason.
It may even be that unresolved problems threaten to steal our gratitude and thankfulness right out from under us.
As we spend the season with those we love and enjoy, there may also be those with whom we disagree.
Sandpaper people who irritate us and rub us the wrong way.
But you know what? They 
may feel the same way about us. We may be the sandpaper people in their lives.
In Romans 12:18 the Paul wrote, “As much as is possible, live peaceably with all men.”
Do you think Paul meant for us to live peaceably even during holiday get togethers when stress is at an all-time high?
Probably.
Maybe Paul meant for us to live peaceably with others, as much as it depends on us, especially during holiday get togethers.
In preparation for our get togethers this season, one thing we might do is ask God to clothe us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and self-control.
We might ask for his power to help us bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we have against one another.
Forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Love as we are loved.
May every day, not just those days set aside to celebrate all the bounty God so richly bestows on us, be filled with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, patience, and self-control.
And don’t forget to add a large helping of thanksgiving and gratefulness to the Father who invites us to sit at his table, through the power of our Resurrected Savior Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
I wish you well,
Sandy
