When I Was a Turkey
Several years ago our family tried a Thanksgiving experiment.
Instead of buying our Thanksgiving dinner, we only priced it and sent the amount to a mission.
We then asked God to give us a meal from His own hand that we could see was especially from Him. In our minds, it had to be cost-free, although this wasn’t a demand—we simply decided to see what He would do about our commitment. We were willing to take whatever He gave….
I know, I know, God gives us the strength, intellect, and grace to be able to earn the money, drive to the store, and so forth.
But we learned something from letting go of it like this: He can also sovereignly give us the actual food itself, just because we are waiting upon Him. This caused us to be thankful toward God as Jehovah Jireh (our provider), rather than wondering what in the world He has to do with our celebration.
The experiment became a kind of tradition for a few years. Each year was different; it was not always turkey and stuffing. We had chicken, duck, venison, and my favorite, the smoked turkey that appeared one day while we were gone.
Meat was always the test for me because I did not consider the free things from our garden as “too hard” for God.
See what I mean?
I needed this.
Everything about cooking Thanksgiving dinner this way was a big adventure. We had to improvise, learning as we went. We felt, indeed we were, exactly like pioneers.
We pretended Good-Old-Days, but they were, in reality, very good days.
We certainly were excited about all sorts of food and I think we ate better. The meat often was not processed. We had honey instead of sugar. And we were so thankful. We couldn’t help it—it just flowed from all that was happening.
Another unexpected result came of the experiment.
We questioned the entire “Thanksgiving Tradition”.
- Sweet potatoes did not have to be candied, did they?
- Whipped topping didn’t have to be fatty.
- Crab applesauce was as good as cranberry.
- The chestnuts off of our tree were excellent in stuffing.
- Squash pie tasted just like pumpkin.
We learned to take our local blessings, instead of exotic imported foods, and spread them out into a feast that gave glory to the God Who provides for His own.
And more blessings!
In our excitement, we also forgot to be harried. I, at least, emerged on the other side of the wall that separates us from gently rejoicing in God. He seemed so near. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Most of the United States was celebrating a day that, when it was established, in purpose and practice, was truly Christian. Thanksgiving has no questionable past. It has traditionally had no worldly festivities attached to it. It is simply a day set aside for our Christian nation, by its Christian leaders, to give thanks to God for all His blessings.
Into that quiet beauty, I had often inserted the bustle of a worldly attitude.
Suddenly, His delightful indulgence was leading me away from my prideful ideas about meal preparation. How humbling it was to be learning at His feet, and yet, how glorious.
It doesn’t matter if you use the recipes you will find, on this site, for “your dinner”, or even if you go to someone else’s house for it. It doesn’t matter if you buy or raise the ingredients. But do learn to spend time before God. And truly thank Him. Every day.
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Katharine is a retired home educating mom who writes about all things “woman”, from a Godly viewpoint, here on this site, and at The Conquering Mom. Her writing appeared in several magazines for 15 years, and she is currently working on several books. She loves to write, speak, teach, cook, garden, spoil her hennies, and watch old movies with popcorn.
Home's Cool! 
Lovely post. So timely as we all tend to get quickly caught up in the hubub. It makes me mindful of a song that goes :Seek ye first the kingdom of God; and his righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you, Allel, alleluia.” I look forward to your recipes.
We are worried about many things, right? and only One thing is needed, right? Right! Thanks for this comment, Kate. I have known that song for years and years. I think it would make a great tune to be humming while I make the second round of bread, tonight.:-)
Thank you for this. It is good to remember what we are doing is GIVNG thanks and giving, and sharing: Not gathering goodies for ourselves. We are blessed to have family to spend time with regardless of any “hassle”. It is being together, and sharing … God is Good, God is Great … food is only food, fancy or plain.
Oh, I love that: God is good; food is only food. You’ve been doing LOTS of poetry lately, and left this tidbit on my blog. Thanks! 🙂 Yes, all of life is all about being thankful in whatever state we find ourselves. Some may be here only for the food, but they are missing SO MUCH! 🙂
Kathy your Walk is inspiring. truly I love this post in-particular. I grew up with a father who fed the world, at our table. I continue the practice to this day.. mel is right… food is only food
Love is nourishment! XXX Jen
Oh, Jen, thanks so much for your kind words. I would have loved knowing your dad, I am sure. I am also sure you serve more than “only food” at your table. 🙂
I really love the phrase “gently rejoicing in God”….it is especially poignant as I am at many times pretty shy.
Thanks for this comment, Kate! I was referring to the fact that gentleness is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and is the opposite of grumbling and being harried. (Don’t ask how I know!!!) 🙂
This is just the best idea ever! It is such a wonderful way for us to really focus on the “thanks” of Thanksgiving. Thanks to you for sharing.
Ah, Debbie!
Coming from you, that is high praise. Thanks so much for your kind comment! ❤ K
Beautiful story, Katharine! It’s making me hungry, though!😀😀😀
You should come over for Thanksgiving, sometime! There is a lot of beauty and history around here, worth touring, and a lot of lovely home-grown food worth eating!
Where is over? Thanks for the generous invitation. 🙂
SW. Arkansas. 😀 Close to the Crater of Diamonds, Hot Springs National Park, and an amazingly gentle river for floating… 😉
I’ve heard it’s beautiful there. 🙂 That’s one state where I’ve never visited, and I have tons of friends from there. 🙂
We should organize a meet up for you and your friends at my place! 😀
I will tell them. That would be cool. Oh right your “home’s cool!” hehehe
Yeah! So cool! 😀
hehehe 🙂
This is beautiful, Katharine! Such a lovely idea.
Thanks so much! 🙂 I’ve loved this time in my life the most, for many years. Now days, we just pray we survive! Ha! It’s all good, though, when we’re thanking the Lord. ❤