How a Thanksgiving Catastrophe Can Reveal Your Gifts

Did you know you possess a gift?

How do you know what this gift or talent is? Of all places, I bet you didn’t expect you could find out from a Thanksgiving catastrophe, did you?

Not only do we have a gift, but we have a purpose, too. God gave each of us a gift so we can work together as part of His body. Romans 12 tells us what these gifts are:

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

If you are a teacher, teach well.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

If it is giving, give generously.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Let’s learn how a Thanksgiving catastrophe can reveal the gift God has given you. Then, do it well.

Years ago, I heard a similar illustration on a Focus on the Family broadcast. Since I didn’t record it, I made up my own story. First, you will read the story. Following, will be many reactions – noted by the gift it represents. See which ones represent your reaction the most.

A Thanksgiving Catastrophe

Grandma placed the steamy, golden-brown turkey near Grandpa’s plate, since he would be the one carving it. The gravy bowl sat on the left and the dressing on his right. A big bowl of mashed potatoes rested in the middle, surrounded by green bean casserole and yams. At the other end of this old table a basket of rolls nestled against butter with cranberry sauce on the other corner. A nice set of dishes awaited family members with their silverware neatly placed on decorative napkins.

While children played and family visited, Grandpa quickly began carving the beautiful bird. As he sliced the last piece, he hollered, “Time to eat!” The young children scrambled to the table first with their adult counterparts slowly trailing behind. Comments about luscious odors were made above the scuffing noise of chairs scooting across wooden planks. as heads began to bow for prayer, grandpa noticed the chair next to him was empty. “Who’s missing?” his baritone voice inquired.

Johnny’s father promptly yelled, “Johnny, come and sit down at the table. Hurry! Everyone’s mouths are watering and grandpa won’t pray until you are seated.”

Disgruntled to have his game interrupted, Johnny jumped up without paying much attention. He dodged the corner of a stuffed chair, but lost his balance. His foot landed on the corner of a small rug, rug, which slipped, causing him to fall. The result was Johnny’s arm landing so hard at the tables edge that the turkey flew right off of the platter, then dodging Aunt Betty, it landed on the floor.

Among the screeches and gasps, the following statements and actions could be heard and seen.

(Prophecy) Pointing his finger at Johnny, Frank sternly said, “I told you, you were an accident waiting to happen. You always run in the house without paying any attention to where you’re going!”

(Serving)  “Let me get this for you,” Angie said, immediately picking up pieces of turkey and dropping them onto the platter.

(Teaching) “Now son, this is why we don’t run in the house. That’s how accidents happen,” Lily stated, patting Johnny’s shoulder. “Remember to walk from now on, and pay closer attention, will you?”

(Encouraging) Betty smiled at Johnny’s sad face. “Boy, Johnny, you were fast. It’s a shame that rug was in the way, or you would’ve been the fastest kid to the table. I bet you will win some medals in track when you get older.”

(Generosity) “Mom, I’m going to run to Denny’s and buy us some turkey. I’ll be back in a jiff.” Harry announced over his shoulder as he headed out the door.

(Leadership) “Sarah, go get a rag and a broom, please. Terry, move those chairs away from the table. Mom, have Lucy help you cover up what needs to stay warm and cool what needs to be cooled. The rest of us can move to the living room and start sharing what we’re thankful for.”

(Merciful) Bud quickly grabbed Johnny and sat him on his lap. With a sorrowful expression and a gentle voice, Bud said, “Oh, son. It’s okay. I’ve done the same thing many times when I was growing up. Everyone has accidents. Did you hurt yourself anywhere?”

Which response would be your first instinct? Another one might come in a close second.

What did you learn about yourself from this Thanksgiving catastrophe?

For fun, use this story for dinner conversation at your Thanksgiving meal. It is entertaining, as well as insightful.

As always, thanks for reading, sharing, and commenting.

© 2021, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.