Glory and golden raisins

Confession: Sometimes I wonder if lunch exchanges are a mistake.

Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, my son’s school exchanges lunches within the classroom. This year, my preschooler also swapped with a friend. Talk about excitement running high! The Kentucky Derby doesn’t hold a candle.

The most beautiful part is watching each childish participant forgetting all about what he will get, while pouring endless energy into designing what he will give.

We spend two weeks planning special food and decorated lunch containers—and spend the final morning forgetting everything we planned, cramming it all in, and praying our kids won’t be disappointed.

It’s a lovely idea. It really is. And I don’t want it to stop.

I just feel like dying inside when I think about all those bright-faced little people, expectations high, glory written all over their hearts, marching out into the world armed with what they’ve prepared…

…and their mothers waiting at home, hoping their contribution is adequate

…and an enemy lurking in the shadows, watching this perfect opportunity to smear shame.

But then there is Jesus. Jesus who taught us about hope and vulnerability, selfless giving and childlike trust. What does Jesus do on a morning like this? Put it into words for me.

*****

Here’s a Thanksgiving craft we included this year, taught to us by Cathy Eby and her sweet daughter Carmen. We also plan to use it for placecards in the feast at Grandma’s house tomorrow.

I zoom in for a closeup, and over my shoulder Kelly says “Say cheese, turkey!”

I am so sorry to spring a holiday craft on you the day before Thanksgiving, but that’s how we do holiday crafts in this household. Tuck the idea away for later, or raid your pantry and see if you have the stuff it takes. (Hint: It may keep your children happy while you whip together the sweet potato casserole.)

Ingredients: raisins (plus craisins and golden raisins – optional), apple, marshmallow, Mike & Ike candy, chocolate chips, and plenty of toothpicks.

A happy Thanksgiving to all!

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Mom Coblentz
12 years ago

I lingered plenty long on the phrase, “and an enemy lurking, smearing shame” and felt my spirit groan…but then the phrase, “there is Jesus”…awwww the sweet, refreshing awareness of a precious JESUS, anxiously awaiting to redeem what the enemy tries to destroy. Blessed, blessed thought! Thanks.
Can’t wait to see the ‘turkey’ in real life. 🙂

Mom Coblentz
12 years ago

I’m laughing out loud at the ‘say cheese, turkey’. Love her!!!!

Mama Zook
12 years ago
Reply to  Mom Coblentz

I also got a belly laugh out of Kelly’s comment!! Aren’t children just a lifter up of Grandma’s spirit!!?

Cathy Eby
12 years ago

Good job on your turkey apples Shari! I like your idea of using them as place cards.
I told Carmen about Kelly’s comment and she really giggled!
Happy Thanksgiving!

12 years ago

What does Jesus do on a morning like this?

– I think he would act a lot like a child….excited and believing that he was indeed giving the best that he had to offer…which is reason to celebrate with freedom from shame (and comparison).

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