Each Thanksgiving marks another year in our home. We moved the night before Thanksgiving.
“I was 5 months pregnant!”
It was a hectic move! After work, we took one load over, cleaned up, and sang a special number at the community Thanksgiving service. We went back home and took another truckload over.
We hired professionals to move my piano but did the rest ourselves – with a lot of help from Melinda! She determined that I wouldn’t lift anything heavy and jeopardize her first niece or nephew. (We waited until he was born to find out.)
“My daughter was smarter.”
She moved last night but asked for help from family and friends. She even enlisted the help of Santa Claus! Our friend Mike, who plays Santa Clause for our family at Christmas, brought a 24′ trailer and they packed all her furniture in it last night.
“I was still a helpless bystander.”
Her dog lives in the house and it was not prudent for me to help. Instead, I made 18 ham and cheese sandwiches and sent them with David. I appreciated those who helped when I couldn’t. Even her cousin’s kids helped! (Grandma Melinda should be proud!) I guess Cameron put her clothes and shoes in her closet. They worked until she sent them home. Everyone did what they could.
* * * * * * *
The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were just as committed to their extended family. They chose the land on the east side of the Jordan river but promised to fight alongside their relatives until everyone moved into their new homes.
Numbers 32:23, “But if you will not do so, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.” Modern English Version
What sin was Moses talking about?
- Turning away from following God, 32:15.
- Abandoning livestock, 32:16.
- Abandoning children, 32:16.
- Not keeping their commitments to extended family, 32:17.
- Going home before the work was done, 32:18.
“Did they?”
Joshua 22:2, “He said to them, ‘You have done everything that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed me in everything that I have commanded you.’ ” Modern English Version
This Thanksgiving as we gather with our extended families, we can follow their example:
- Keep God first.
- Feed the dog.
- Watch out for the children.
- Keep your commitment.
- Stay until the work is done.
“Happy Thanksgiving!”
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