For most of my life I have spent Thanksgiving with my family in Michigan.  Even when I lived in places as far off as Omaha Nebraska, Wilmington Delaware, San Antonio Texas or the Hudson Valley in New York I would always come back to Michigan for Thanksgiving.  Even when I was a student in both under grad and seminary, I still managed to make it home for Thanksgiving.

That is until this year!  As all newlyweds must, Sherry and I are dividing our time during the holidays between both our families so that we can maximize our time together with everyone.  Since my family makes a bigger deal out of Christmas, and hers makes a bigger deal out of Thanksgiving, we are traveling to eastern Kansas for the holiday this year.  For the first time in my life, I won’t be among my people for Thanksgiving.

Being a grown man, I thought this would be no big deal to go somewhere new for Thanksgiving.  However, I had not realized how attached I was to the old ways of doing things.  I mean, will they actually watch the Lions game in Kansas?!  That is unquestioned in my house full of long-suffering Lions fans back home. Who will make [insert favorite Thanksgiving dish here]?  My Mom always makes the giblet dressing.  What kind of crazy dressing must I endure in the new place?!  Help!!!

Turns out, it is all good.  While yes there are beloved traditions, and dishes, from the past that have some sentimental attachment, there are new family traditions to learn and celebrate.  The Warrens know how to have a holiday!  Venison in addition to the turkey – that sounds cool.  Venison was served at the first Thanksgiving, so it’s actually quite traditional.  Many of Sherry’s friends are still in Lawrence, so our social calendar should be quite full reconnecting with friends and family.  Everyone comes back to Kansas for Thanksgiving.  It is exciting to be welcomed into this new holiday adventure.

Yes, the past holds fond memories for me.  I am at least as sentimental as the next person.  But we should not let our feelings for the past blind us to the future.  Sure, I will miss my family, but there are new traditions to be embraced.  The past isn’t always superior, and the unknown future isn’t always scary.  Be open to novelty and creative engagement.

May You Be Blessed Always,
Rev. Dr. Joshua Snyder