Until recently, every Thanksgiving Day was almost identical for me. I looked forward to the comfort of a dinner table shared with my immediate family, and sometimes a few other guests, with the same spread of delicious traditional dishes my mom prepared days in advance. I couldn’t imagine the holiday ever feeling complete without her pumpkin rolls and at least four kinds of pie with fresh whipped cream. 

One Thanksgiving morning after I had moved across the country, I actually cried at the thought of being absent from my family’s table. But, that year and the next, unexpected opportunities came up for me to spend Thanksgiving with friends. I had been learning about being open to new and surprising proofs of God’s care. The meals and traditions my friends shared with me were different from what I was used to (one friend prepared peanut curry, and I don’t recall any pie at that table), but I appreciated the variety and thoroughly enjoyed the company. 

Rising above the burden of obligation or the fear of being alone, we grow spiritually.