2021 October #2
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
Can you imagine it?
There it is…the colorful Thanksgiving tablecloth used every year and on top of it you see the roasted turkey or ham with all the fixings. You’ve anticipated it ever since the day after last Thanksgiving.
Do you prefer dressing or stuffing?…mashed potatoes with butter or cubed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows?…green bean casserole or steamed Brussel sprouts?…cranberry sauce or homemade whole-berry cranberries?…pumpkin pie or apple pie?…with whipped cream or cool whip?…
There are all kinds of ways to celebrate with food during one of the most favorite holidays of the year.
Are you looking forward to it? Are your lips smacking at the thought of tasting all the wonderful dishes that’s usually shared around that time? Are your family and friends planning a celebration time together?
That’s what Thanksgiving usually seems to be about:
Enjoying time off from work…
Gathering together…
Eating too much…
Watching football or engaging in some kind of activity…
Sometimes, that’s the whole focus of the holiday. Those things are taken for granted by most folks. We just get used to having our conveniences.
But, when Thanksgiving comes around, it should cause us to stop a moment and be thankful for what we have, like having a roof over our heads, having plenty of food in the pantry, and having friends and family members around to share life with.
It’s a wonderful holiday to relax and think about the things we put value in.
However, it’s also a holiday that is very hard for the homeless to get through, for those very same reasons. Losing the roof over their heads and having no food in the pantry are very hard things to feel thankful for. Some have even lost relationships with family members and feel all alone.
Holidays are some of the loneliest times for those who have found themselves homeless.
We are the largest family homeless shelter in the state so we know there are plenty of hurting hearts during this season. There are many mouths to feed and many heads to provide a pillow and bed for…and many hearts to comfort.
It is our pleasure to help them. You are a huge part of our ability to help them.
So, we’d like to take a moment and let you know that we are thankful for YOU! We are very aware that you are a vital part of our ministry to serve those who have lost more than we may ever know. We could not take care of and provide for our guests if you were not helping us. Your continued support is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday by doing as the word suggests: being thankful for all we’ve been given.
If you or someone you know would like a Thanksgiving meal, or more information, please call our business office at 505-217-9586.
for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
