By JANET HART LEONARD
From the Hart
This week begins the most wonderful time of the year! How did Thanksgiving sneak up on us so quickly? That means Christmas is just around the jampacked festivities corner.
In a few days, families will be gathering around the dinner table with Grandma and Grandpa and gravy and hopefully, grace. Oh, grace where art thou? Grace can be defined as courteous goodwill. How much the world needs goodwill.
Nothing shows us goodwill more than a Hallmark movie.
I love a good Hallmark movie, one where the entire family gathers at Grandma and Grandpa’s house around a table where there is a seat around the table for everyone. The turkey is juicy and carved to perfection by Grandpa who is wearing a Mr. Rogers cardigan. Grandma wears the cutest stain-free apron with not a drop of sweat on her brow. She’s spent hours juggling recipes, yet she looks coiffured and without a trace of tiredness or an upset emotion on her face.
Conversations are filled with giggles and cackles of laughter. There isn’t a contrary soul in the bunch. Uncles and aunts and brothers and sisters agree about politics and religion and sports. Oh, the sweet world of Hallmark!
Grace is given before the meal as if God is close by and listening to eloquent words which could be used in the benediction of a Sunday sermon.
Well, who doesn’t love a good Hallmark movie? But then, we turn off the TV and we are back to reality where goodwill may be hard to find … but it is there. We just have to seek and find.
While our reality may not look like a Hallmark movie, it can be wonderful … with grace and gravy. Lots of both, slathered generously.
While our hearts may be challenged to understand that not everyone can be there, grace allows us to be okay with that. Thou shalt not be upset about what you cannot control. Celebrate with those right in front of you. Thanksgiving is not a date on the calendar, but a state of mind celebrated anytime and anywhere you decide.
Family from afar can be included, even if it’s coming from the phone and Facetime.
Janet and her family. (Photo provided)
Grumpiness should not be allowed at the dinner table. Before he arrives, Uncle Fester may need a gentle reminder that neither politics nor religion will be served around the table or later in the family room. Kindly ask that he leave his opinions at home. Ask him with gentleness. A compliment or two might help him accept your suggestions. His feathers may be ruffled but one slightly miffed gander is better than a gaggle of aggravated geese and upset goslings, crying because they feel the tension.
Oh, Hallmark, we need your niceness and kindness and thoughtfulness and goodwill. And yes, we ever so, need your grace.
Speaking of grace, you know those stories that Grandma tells over and over? One day her voice won’t be there and her chair will be empty. Engage with her as she tells them. You will cherish those memories. Better yet, video her as she tells her stories. Ask her questions. Both of you will be blessed. Someday, those memories will cause your eyes to leak as you try to remember the details. If only you had paid more attention … if only …
So, as you gather in the days ahead, please remember that a little grace and little gravy go a long way. May you be blessed with laughter and stories and enough goodwill to go around.
Happy Thanksgiving from my heart to yours!
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.