Chicken Nuggets
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
ME: Jesus, it is only mid-week at school, and I’d be happy if I never make another turkey with the kids.
JESUS: Give thanks with a grateful heart that you have 19 children in the class who love you dearly. They smile when you call their names for the daily craft and they come with childish excitement.
ME: That is true. Sometimes I forget why I am there.
JESUS: Trust Me; I will not let that happen!
ME: Last week we studied Pilgrims and Native Americans. Did You see the craft with the two of them together. The Native Americans looked amazing but the Pilgrims looked like undertakers from long ago. I am still giggling.
JESUS: Me too!
ME: Today is our Thanksgiving lunch at school and our little PreK class are dressing as Pilgrims. Other classes are dressing as Native Americans and they have mixed seating—just like the first Thanksgiving. I envision some chaos but I have my support team. The only thing that bothers me is that they are serving chicken nuggets (with ketchup), instant mashed potatoes, and frozen veggies. I don’t think that was part of the first celebration.
JESUS: (hearty laugh) You are right. But kids do not want venison, fish, turkey, squash, dried corn, or some of the other things I provided.
ME: Jesus, You’re right. I truly thank You for my co-workers, my dear friends, who will make this a fun event.
JESUS: Just another thing to be grateful for! So what else is on your mind?
ME: You know, it is getting harder to find things to be positive about in this messed up world we live in. There are wars, famines, questionable politics, and even in our Christian school, there is painful bullying going on. This is not the way I thought life would be like.
JESUS: Precious child of Mine, you have insight and opportunities to touch young lives, to change the futures for some.
ME: But I can’t change the hunger and blood shed that is happening around the world.
JESUS: No, but your work with these children may save lives in the future. Just trust me—be thankful for what I’ve given you. Your prayers for your country, warring nations—and for each child—are not lost or forgotten.
ME: I’ve got a lot to learn.
JESUS: Yes, but even more for which to be thankful!