November 18, 2024 • 18 mins
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look like a Norman Rockwell painting – especially when your guest list is more “table for one” than “feast for twenty.” Whether you’re flying solo, sharing turkey with your little ones, or just figuring out how to reheat last night’s pizza in style, this episode is here to remind you of one simple truth: one is a whole number.
Join me as we ditch the guilt, burn the rolls, and redefine Thanksgiving into something meaningful, beautiful, and totally yours. Together, we’ll dive into the overlooked blessings, celebrate survival (hello, Pilgrims!), and talk about how inviting Jesus to your table can turn a quiet holiday into a sacred feast.
Because let’s be honest – it’s not about what’s on the table, but Who’s at it. So grab your stretchy pants, pour yourself a little pumpkin spice something, and tune in for a Thanksgiving episode that’s as heartfelt as it is a wee bit hilarious.
It's a Single Mom Thing, Not the Single Thing That Stops You!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to it's a Single Mom Thing, the show for
single moms by single moms.
This is Sherri, your host, andI am happy you are here today.
Remember it's a single momthing and not the single thing
that stops you.
For some of us, thanksgivingthis year looks more like a
table for one, and you know what?
That's not just okay, it mightactually be the gift your solo
(00:24):
sanity didn't know it needed.
Welcome back, my single peeps,to another episode of it's a
Single Mom Thing.
So let's be honest, the holidays, well, they can come with all
kinds of baggage expectations,financial stress, family drama
and, yes, even some trauma.
And when you're a single mom,that list can feel even heavier
(00:46):
than a 20-pound butterball,leaving you wondering if there's
really anything left to bethankful for.
But what if this Thanksgivingwe didn't focus on what's
missing or what's overwhelming?
And listen, this is for me too.
What if, instead, we gavethanks for things we often
overlook the little victories,the quiet moments and the
(01:06):
presence of God who never leavesus?
What if, this Thanksgiving, welet go of what the holiday is
quote unquote supposed to be andsupposed to look like, and
instead embrace the beauty ofwhat it could be creating
possibly I don't know a newholiday memory, whether you're
celebrating solo by choice, bycircumstance or because your
(01:29):
kids are with their other parent.
This year, today we're divinginto how to make turkey for one
not just bearable, but maybeeven a little beautiful.
And here's the best part as abeliever, you know your table is
never truly empty when youinvite Jesus to sit with you.
He's not just an honored guest,he is the reason we can still
(01:51):
find gratitude and joy, nomatter what this season looks
like, am I right?
So today I want to create thespace to flip the script on a
traditional Thanksgiving for atransformational Thanksgiving.
Listen, thanksgiving doesn'thave to look like what the world
says it should.
It's not about how big yourtable is or how perfect the meal
(02:13):
turns out.
It's about the love that'sshared, the memories created and
yes, the presence of Jesus atthe center of it all, not your
centerpiece.
Today we are redefining thisThanksgiving moment, creating
new traditions, giving thanksfor things overlooked and
celebrating yes, I saidcelebrating what truly matters.
(02:35):
So, whether your table has onechair or a few extra booster
chairs, you need to grab yourstretchy pants, girl.
Have a little pumpkin spicesomething you need to grab your
stretchy pants, girl, have alittle pumpkin spice something.
And let's make this holiday oneto remember, with the one to
remember Turkey for one.
Yes, please, redefining thisThanksgiving moment.
(02:56):
Thanksgiving is supposed to beabout gratitude, but let's be
honest when you're jugglingsingle parenthood, financial
stress or a quieter table thanyou had hoped for, it is hard to
feel thankful, am I right?
I understand this hard-fought,heartfelt emotion.
Add in the picture-perfectposts floating on your social
(03:19):
media and suddenly your turkey,for one, can feel like a giant
gaping spotlight on what'smissing.
But what if we flip the script?
What if, instead of focusing onwhat's missing, we started
giving thanks for the thingswe've overlooked?
And what if we remindedourselves of this truth?
One is a whole number.
You've heard me say that before.
You see, it's easy to feel likebeing alone or having a smaller
(03:42):
table means something islacking.
But, as we discussed earlierthis year, we lack nothing.
But here's the thing One is notless than One is complete, one
is whole.
And whether it's just you at thetable or you and your little
ones, this is still a moment tocelebrate the fullness of God's
love and provision.
(04:03):
I mean, think about it, girl.
When was the last time youthanked God for the strength to
get through a tough day.
I know there have been many.
When was the last time youthanked him for the little
moments like your kid's smile ora quiet cup of coffee before
the chaos begins?
I don't know how?
About for the ways he'sprovided, even when it wasn't in
the way you expected, for thebed that supports your head and
(04:27):
your rest as you rest in him,even down to the time he moved
you in the spirit not to givethe one finger salute to the
person who just cuts you off intraffic, continuing to be the
light to somebody else's shadow.
That was him.
Sometimes, gratitude well, itisn't about the big, obvious
(04:47):
blessings.
It's about recognizing God'shand in the everyday, the things
we don't even think to count asblessings because they feel so
small.
But here's the truth when youstart thanking God for the
little things, your perspectiveshifts, even just a little, and
suddenly you realize there'smore to be grateful for than you
(05:08):
thought.
So, before we even talk aboutturkey or traditions, let's take
a moment to pause and reflect.
What's something you'veoverlooked this year that
deserves your gratitude?
Maybe, I don't know.
It's as simple as surviving ahard season, making it through
the storm, or finding joy inyour unexpected places.
I don't know about you, but Ilove when I find joy in
(05:33):
unexpected places, sometimeseven like a job or a journey.
You see, this Thanksgiving,let's not wait for the big
moments to give thanks.
Let's give thanks to God forthe overlooked blessings, the
quiet reminders that he's withus and the promise that, no
matter how our table looks thisyear, his presence makes it full
.
Cheers to a new tradition.
(05:54):
Now that we've shifted our focusfrom what's missing to what's
present, let's talk about this.
Just because your Thanksgivingtable looks different doesn't
mean it can't be special.
In fact, this could be yourchance to start something brand
new, a tradition that's uniquelyyours, one to go down into your
history books.
Remember.
(06:14):
History can be hysterical.
Maybe you've always felt thepressure to do a Thanksgiving a
certain way turkey cooked justright, a picture perfect table
and a guest list to match.
But this year, what if you,girl, tossed that rule book out
the window and did things yourway?
Here's the beauty of being asingle mom at Thanksgiving.
(06:35):
And yes, there is beauty.
You're free to create theholiday that works for you.
Want to ditch the turkey andhave chicken tacos instead?
Go for it.
Feel like watching movies inyour pajamas all day.
Make it a tradition.
Want to trade in your dinnertable for a picnic table?
Even plates to paper plates?
(06:56):
Oh, girl, cheers to a newtradition.
Clink, clink.
You see, thanksgiving doesn'thave to be about what's expected
.
It's about what brings you andyour family joy in the
unexpected, unrehearsed moments.
And if it's just you at thetable, girl, this year, think
about how you can make itmeaningful.
Set a beautiful place foryourself.
(07:18):
Light a candle, light severalcandles, the good, smelly ones
too.
Have a meal that you've alwaysmarveled at and invite Jesus to
sit with you, leaving room forhim and some dessert.
Take a moment to write downwhat you're thankful for, even
the small things, and if you'reup for it, call a friend or
someone who might need a littleencouragement too.
(07:39):
Thanksgiving is less about themeal and more about the moments.
It's not the turkey that makesit special, it's the heart
behind it.
This year, girl, you get todecide how to fill your table
with love and laughter andgratitude, whether it's just set
for one or you and your littleones.
New traditions yeah, they don'thave to be trying and
(08:01):
complicated.
They can be as simple asstarting the day with prayer,
making a favorite dish togetherwith your kids, catching a
sunset, or even writing lettersof thanks to God for blessings
he's given you, the ones youknow we've overlooked.
Remember, you're not stuck withthe way things have always been
, although I do understand thatthat is easy to do.
(08:22):
You do have a choice to dosomething and be something
different.
You have the freedom listen,girl to create something
beautiful, something thatreflects who you are and the
season you're in.
And who knows these newtraditions?
They might become the ones yourkids carry into their own
family some days, inviting Jesusto your table.
(08:45):
So pull out a chair and let'stalk about the most important
guest at your Thanksgiving tablethis year.
Surprise, it's Jesus.
Whether your table is set forone or a few, it's never truly
empty when you invite him tojoin you, is it?
Sometimes holidays likeThanksgiving?
Well, I understand this.
They can feel very isolating,especially if you're spending
(09:07):
them solo mio.
But here's the truth.
You know God sees you, he meetsyou exactly where you are and
he's always ready to pull achair up to your table.
Do you have a seat saved forhim?
Think about it the same God whofed thousands with just a few
loaves of fish.
Who calmed storms with a word,who healed the broken, is the
(09:32):
same God who is sitting with youright now.
He's not just present, he'sbringing peace, love and hope to
your table.
He's got presence.
Who couldn't use an extrahelping of that, especially
through the year that we've justbeen through?
Take a moment to invite him in.
Maybe it's with a simple prayerof gratitude, like this Lord,
(09:55):
thank you for this moment, forthis season and for your
presence in my life, even whenthings don't look the way I had
hoped.
I trust that you are here,working all things for my good.
You see, when you make room forJesus at your table, something
changes.
I'm telling you, girl, listen.
The loneliness, it starts tofade, the stress takes a
(10:19):
backseat, and then suddenly yourealize you're not doing this
holiday alone.
You realize he is with you.
And here's the best part whenJesus is at your table, he
brings abundance, notnecessarily in the form of a
cornucopia of turkey andstuffing, but in the form of
peace that surpasses allunderstanding, of joy that no
(10:43):
circumstance can take away, andof love that reminds you that
you are never, ever forgotten.
Good gravy, girl, you areprotected, preserved and
provided for, possibly in waysyou overlooked.
Maybe for a little dessert.
You ask him to show you theways he's been there for you
(11:03):
when you weren't looking.
You can even go for seconds.
So this Thanksgiving, let's notjust focus on what's on the
table, let's focus on who's atthe table, because his presence,
(11:24):
oh yes, it turns even thesimplest meal into a feast of
gratitude and grace, givingthanks for the overlooked.
Now, as we discussedThanksgiving, it isn't all about
gravy, it's about gratitude.
But let's be for real.
It's easy to thank God for thebig, shiny blessings, right, the
ones that everyone can see.
But what about the littlethings, the overlooked moments,
the blessings that didn't comewrapped in a bow but were still
(11:47):
gifts from him?
Think about this past year.
Maybe it wasn't picture perfect, maybe it was downright hard,
but even in the mess, god wasthere, providing in ways that
may I don't know, they might nothave stood out at the time.
Can you think of a few like Idon't know that one friend who
checked in on you when you feltinvisible, the strength you
(12:08):
found to get through a day whenyou didn't think you could, the
moments when your kids smiled,laughed or hugged you, even if
the rest of the day was totalchaos, or the person in line who
paid it forward.
Yeah, that was him.
You see, sometimes the blessingswe overlook are the ones that
matter the most.
It's the small, quiet remindersthat God is with us, that he
(12:33):
sees us and that he hasn'tforgotten us.
He sees you, girl, even whenyou're trying to fake it and
make it.
And when we take time to noticeand thank him for those moments
, our perspective changes.
Sometimes we just need to turndown, thank him for those
moments.
Our perspective changes.
Sometimes we just need to turndown the noise to hear him, see
him catch a glimpse of ablessing from him.
(12:54):
Gratitude isn't about pretendingeverything is perfect.
It's about seeing God's hand inthe imperfect, the mundane and
even the hard.
It's about recognizing that,even when the world feels heavy,
he's still giving us reasons tobe thankful for.
He is doing the weightliftingfor you.
(13:15):
All you have to do is just takea breath to find a blessing to
be thankful for.
So here's a challenge for youthis Thanksgiving Take a moment
I don't know to write down threethings you're thankful for that
you might have overlooked.
They don't have to be big.
In fact, the smaller the better, because when you start to
notice the little things, yourealize just how present God has
(13:39):
been all along, and you don'tjust have to look for him any
longer for the big things.
Let's be people who give thanksin all circumstances, not just
for what's easy to see, but forthe quiet ways God has shown up
in our lives.
Let's thank him for theoverlook, the unexpected and the
things that remind us that heis always faithful.
(14:01):
Much like the pilgrims on theirfirst Thanksgiving in 1621, we
have reasons to be thankful foreven in seasons of struggle,
they had survived a brutalwinter, leaned on their faith
and found support in a newcommunity.
Their gratitude wasn't for alife free of hardship, but for
the strength, the provision andthe relationships that carried
(14:24):
them through.
And here we are, centuries later, carrying the same truth that
in survival, in faith and incommunity, there's always
something to be thankful for,even when it feels like we're
barely making it girl.
God's provision sustains us,his presence strengthens us and
His people yeah they remind usthat we're not alone.
(14:47):
This Thanksgiving, let's honorthe legacy.
Let's be grateful for oursurvival in the storms, for the
faith that anchors us and forthe community, however big or
small that walks alongside us.
Because, girl, these blessings,those sometimes overlooked, are
the ones that truly matter.
(15:07):
So, I don't know, maybe youwrite a gratitude letter to
yourself or to God, reflectingon how far you've come.
Create a prayer jar where youwrite down blessings or hopes
for the year ahead.
Plan a future celebration withyour kids when they return,
turning Thanksgiving into aseason rather than a single day,
redefining the meaning ofThanksgiving.
(15:32):
Okay, so, as I close, let's getreal.
Somewhere along the way,thanksgiving stopped being about
gratitude and started beingabout stretchy pants, black
Friday sales and figuring outhow to politely decline Aunt
Edna's mystery casserole.
Do we even know what's in thatthing?
And hey, I'm not knocking thestretchy pants.
(15:53):
We all need those after a goodThanksgiving meal.
But let's talk about whatThanksgiving really means.
If your Thanksgiving looks alittle different this year,
whether it's just you or you andyour little ones gathered
around a table for one, let meremind you of this.
Thanksgiving isn't about howmany people are at the table or
how perfectly everything comestogether.
(16:14):
It's about gratitude, and thatdoesn't require a crowd.
You don't need a packed tableto give thanks.
You don't need a gourmet mealto feel full, and you definitely
don't need the world'sdefinition of perfect to
celebrate what's good in yourlife, because when you invite
Jesus to your table, he fillsthe empty spaces with his
(16:35):
presence, his peace and his love.
So if it's turkey for one thisyear, or two, or even five,
remember this one is a wholenumber and when you add Jesus to
the equation, it's more thanenough.
He turns your quietThanksgiving into a sacred
moment, reminding you that youare seen, loved and held this
(16:56):
Thanksgiving.
Let's redefine the holidaymoment.
Forget the pressure to make itinsta-worthy or the guilt over
what it is not or what you justate.
Instead, focus on what is, whatis a chance to celebrate the
blessings you do have, thepeople who matter the most and
(17:16):
the God who's been with youevery step of the way.
And if you're struggling to seethose blessings this year, you
are not alone and you don't haveto carry that weight by
yourself.
Our 24-hour prayer line isalways open at 855-822-PRAY.
Whether you need someone to praywith you, talk to you or simply
(17:38):
remind you that God's got this,we are here for you.
And if you don't know Jesus, weare even here to introduce you
to him so he can be an honoredguest at your table this year,
creating a new Thanksgivingtradition, and if you're looking
for a way to deepen your faithand find your community, we
encourage you to find aBible-based church where you can
(17:58):
plug in, grow and be supported.
You don't have to figure thisout alone, and you are never
truly by yourself unless youwant to be so grab those
stretchy pants, burn those rollsif you must, and let's
celebrate Thanksgiving in itspurest form, with gratitude,
faith and maybe a second helpingof pie or two, because no
(18:20):
matter how many chairs are atyour table, when Jesus is with
you it is always full Turkey forone.
Please have a wonderful weekand remember it's a single mom
thing and not the single thingthat stops you.
Thanks for listening to.
It's a Single Mom Thing.
I hope you enjoyed our timetogether.
If you have more questions onhow to have a relationship with
(18:41):
Jesus or need prayer, visit usat wwwshepherdsvillagecom
backslash prayer.
For more information andresources, check out our show
notes.
Welcome to it's a Single Mom Thing, the show for
single moms by single moms.
This is Sherri, your host, andI am happy you are here today.
Remember it's a single momthing and not the single thing
that stops you.
For some of us, thanksgivingthis year looks more like a
table for one, and you know what?
That's not just okay, it mightactually be the gift your solo
(00:24):
sanity didn't know it needed.
Welcome back, my single peeps,to another episode of it's a
Single Mom Thing.
So let's be honest, the holidays, well, they can come with all
kinds of baggage expectations,financial stress, family drama
and, yes, even some trauma.
And when you're a single mom,that list can feel even heavier
(00:46):
than a 20-pound butterball,leaving you wondering if there's
really anything left to bethankful for.
But what if this Thanksgivingwe didn't focus on what's
missing or what's overwhelming?
And listen, this is for me too.
What if, instead, we gavethanks for things we often
overlook the little victories,the quiet moments and the
(01:06):
presence of God who never leavesus?
What if, this Thanksgiving, welet go of what the holiday is
quote unquote supposed to be andsupposed to look like, and
instead embrace the beauty ofwhat it could be creating
possibly I don't know a newholiday memory, whether you're
celebrating solo by choice, bycircumstance or because your
(01:29):
kids are with their other parent.
This year, today we're divinginto how to make turkey for one
not just bearable, but maybeeven a little beautiful.
And here's the best part as abeliever, you know your table is
never truly empty when youinvite Jesus to sit with you.
He's not just an honored guest,he is the reason we can still
(01:51):
find gratitude and joy, nomatter what this season looks
like, am I right?
So today I want to create thespace to flip the script on a
traditional Thanksgiving for atransformational Thanksgiving.
Listen, thanksgiving doesn'thave to look like what the world
says it should.
It's not about how big yourtable is or how perfect the meal
(02:13):
turns out.
It's about the love that'sshared, the memories created and
yes, the presence of Jesus atthe center of it all, not your
centerpiece.
Today we are redefining thisThanksgiving moment, creating
new traditions, giving thanksfor things overlooked and
celebrating yes, I saidcelebrating what truly matters.
(02:35):
So, whether your table has onechair or a few extra booster
chairs, you need to grab yourstretchy pants, girl.
Have a little pumpkin spicesomething you need to grab your
stretchy pants, girl, have alittle pumpkin spice something.
And let's make this holiday oneto remember, with the one to
remember Turkey for one.
Yes, please, redefining thisThanksgiving moment.
(02:56):
Thanksgiving is supposed to beabout gratitude, but let's be
honest when you're jugglingsingle parenthood, financial
stress or a quieter table thanyou had hoped for, it is hard to
feel thankful, am I right?
I understand this hard-fought,heartfelt emotion.
Add in the picture-perfectposts floating on your social
(03:19):
media and suddenly your turkey,for one, can feel like a giant
gaping spotlight on what'smissing.
But what if we flip the script?
What if, instead of focusing onwhat's missing, we started
giving thanks for the thingswe've overlooked?
And what if we remindedourselves of this truth?
One is a whole number.
You've heard me say that before.
You see, it's easy to feel likebeing alone or having a smaller
(03:42):
table means something islacking.
But, as we discussed earlierthis year, we lack nothing.
But here's the thing One is notless than One is complete, one
is whole.
And whether it's just you at thetable or you and your little
ones, this is still a moment tocelebrate the fullness of God's
love and provision.
(04:03):
I mean, think about it, girl.
When was the last time youthanked God for the strength to
get through a tough day.
I know there have been many.
When was the last time youthanked him for the little
moments like your kid's smile ora quiet cup of coffee before
the chaos begins?
I don't know how?
About for the ways he'sprovided, even when it wasn't in
the way you expected, for thebed that supports your head and
(04:27):
your rest as you rest in him,even down to the time he moved
you in the spirit not to givethe one finger salute to the
person who just cuts you off intraffic, continuing to be the
light to somebody else's shadow.
That was him.
Sometimes, gratitude well, itisn't about the big, obvious
(04:47):
blessings.
It's about recognizing God'shand in the everyday, the things
we don't even think to count asblessings because they feel so
small.
But here's the truth when youstart thanking God for the
little things, your perspectiveshifts, even just a little, and
suddenly you realize there'smore to be grateful for than you
(05:08):
thought.
So, before we even talk aboutturkey or traditions, let's take
a moment to pause and reflect.
What's something you'veoverlooked this year that
deserves your gratitude?
Maybe, I don't know.
It's as simple as surviving ahard season, making it through
the storm, or finding joy inyour unexpected places.
I don't know about you, but Ilove when I find joy in
(05:33):
unexpected places, sometimeseven like a job or a journey.
You see, this Thanksgiving,let's not wait for the big
moments to give thanks.
Let's give thanks to God forthe overlooked blessings, the
quiet reminders that he's withus and the promise that, no
matter how our table looks thisyear, his presence makes it full
.
Cheers to a new tradition.
(05:54):
Now that we've shifted our focusfrom what's missing to what's
present, let's talk about this.
Just because your Thanksgivingtable looks different doesn't
mean it can't be special.
In fact, this could be yourchance to start something brand
new, a tradition that's uniquelyyours, one to go down into your
history books.
Remember.
(06:14):
History can be hysterical.
Maybe you've always felt thepressure to do a Thanksgiving a
certain way turkey cooked justright, a picture perfect table
and a guest list to match.
But this year, what if you,girl, tossed that rule book out
the window and did things yourway?
Here's the beauty of being asingle mom at Thanksgiving.
(06:35):
And yes, there is beauty.
You're free to create theholiday that works for you.
Want to ditch the turkey andhave chicken tacos instead?
Go for it.
Feel like watching movies inyour pajamas all day.
Make it a tradition.
Want to trade in your dinnertable for a picnic table?
Even plates to paper plates?
(06:56):
Oh, girl, cheers to a newtradition.
Clink, clink.
You see, thanksgiving doesn'thave to be about what's expected
.
It's about what brings you andyour family joy in the
unexpected, unrehearsed moments.
And if it's just you at thetable, girl, this year, think
about how you can make itmeaningful.
Set a beautiful place foryourself.
(07:18):
Light a candle, light severalcandles, the good, smelly ones
too.
Have a meal that you've alwaysmarveled at and invite Jesus to
sit with you, leaving room forhim and some dessert.
Take a moment to write downwhat you're thankful for, even
the small things, and if you'reup for it, call a friend or
someone who might need a littleencouragement too.
(07:39):
Thanksgiving is less about themeal and more about the moments.
It's not the turkey that makesit special, it's the heart
behind it.
This year, girl, you get todecide how to fill your table
with love and laughter andgratitude, whether it's just set
for one or you and your littleones.
New traditions yeah, they don'thave to be trying and
(08:01):
complicated.
They can be as simple asstarting the day with prayer,
making a favorite dish togetherwith your kids, catching a
sunset, or even writing lettersof thanks to God for blessings
he's given you, the ones youknow we've overlooked.
Remember, you're not stuck withthe way things have always been
, although I do understand thatthat is easy to do.
(08:22):
You do have a choice to dosomething and be something
different.
You have the freedom listen,girl to create something
beautiful, something thatreflects who you are and the
season you're in.
And who knows these newtraditions?
They might become the ones yourkids carry into their own
family some days, inviting Jesusto your table.
(08:45):
So pull out a chair and let'stalk about the most important
guest at your Thanksgiving tablethis year.
Surprise, it's Jesus.
Whether your table is set forone or a few, it's never truly
empty when you invite him tojoin you, is it?
Sometimes holidays likeThanksgiving?
Well, I understand this.
They can feel very isolating,especially if you're spending
(09:07):
them solo mio.
But here's the truth.
You know God sees you, he meetsyou exactly where you are and
he's always ready to pull achair up to your table.
Do you have a seat saved forhim?
Think about it the same God whofed thousands with just a few
loaves of fish.
Who calmed storms with a word,who healed the broken, is the
(09:32):
same God who is sitting with youright now.
He's not just present, he'sbringing peace, love and hope to
your table.
He's got presence.
Who couldn't use an extrahelping of that, especially
through the year that we've justbeen through?
Take a moment to invite him in.
Maybe it's with a simple prayerof gratitude, like this Lord,
(09:55):
thank you for this moment, forthis season and for your
presence in my life, even whenthings don't look the way I had
hoped.
I trust that you are here,working all things for my good.
You see, when you make room forJesus at your table, something
changes.
I'm telling you, girl, listen.
The loneliness, it starts tofade, the stress takes a
(10:19):
backseat, and then suddenly yourealize you're not doing this
holiday alone.
You realize he is with you.
And here's the best part whenJesus is at your table, he
brings abundance, notnecessarily in the form of a
cornucopia of turkey andstuffing, but in the form of
peace that surpasses allunderstanding, of joy that no
(10:43):
circumstance can take away, andof love that reminds you that
you are never, ever forgotten.
Good gravy, girl, you areprotected, preserved and
provided for, possibly in waysyou overlooked.
Maybe for a little dessert.
You ask him to show you theways he's been there for you
(11:03):
when you weren't looking.
You can even go for seconds.
So this Thanksgiving, let's notjust focus on what's on the
table, let's focus on who's atthe table, because his presence,
(11:24):
oh yes, it turns even thesimplest meal into a feast of
gratitude and grace, givingthanks for the overlooked.
Now, as we discussedThanksgiving, it isn't all about
gravy, it's about gratitude.
But let's be for real.
It's easy to thank God for thebig, shiny blessings, right, the
ones that everyone can see.
But what about the littlethings, the overlooked moments,
the blessings that didn't comewrapped in a bow but were still
(11:47):
gifts from him?
Think about this past year.
Maybe it wasn't picture perfect, maybe it was downright hard,
but even in the mess, god wasthere, providing in ways that
may I don't know, they might nothave stood out at the time.
Can you think of a few like Idon't know that one friend who
checked in on you when you feltinvisible, the strength you
(12:08):
found to get through a day whenyou didn't think you could, the
moments when your kids smiled,laughed or hugged you, even if
the rest of the day was totalchaos, or the person in line who
paid it forward.
Yeah, that was him.
You see, sometimes the blessingswe overlook are the ones that
matter the most.
It's the small, quiet remindersthat God is with us, that he
(12:33):
sees us and that he hasn'tforgotten us.
He sees you, girl, even whenyou're trying to fake it and
make it.
And when we take time to noticeand thank him for those moments
, our perspective changes.
Sometimes we just need to turndown, thank him for those
moments.
Our perspective changes.
Sometimes we just need to turndown the noise to hear him, see
him catch a glimpse of ablessing from him.
(12:54):
Gratitude isn't about pretendingeverything is perfect.
It's about seeing God's hand inthe imperfect, the mundane and
even the hard.
It's about recognizing that,even when the world feels heavy,
he's still giving us reasons tobe thankful for.
He is doing the weightliftingfor you.
(13:15):
All you have to do is just takea breath to find a blessing to
be thankful for.
So here's a challenge for youthis Thanksgiving Take a moment
I don't know to write down threethings you're thankful for that
you might have overlooked.
They don't have to be big.
In fact, the smaller the better, because when you start to
notice the little things, yourealize just how present God has
(13:39):
been all along, and you don'tjust have to look for him any
longer for the big things.
Let's be people who give thanksin all circumstances, not just
for what's easy to see, but forthe quiet ways God has shown up
in our lives.
Let's thank him for theoverlook, the unexpected and the
things that remind us that heis always faithful.
(14:01):
Much like the pilgrims on theirfirst Thanksgiving in 1621, we
have reasons to be thankful foreven in seasons of struggle,
they had survived a brutalwinter, leaned on their faith
and found support in a newcommunity.
Their gratitude wasn't for alife free of hardship, but for
the strength, the provision andthe relationships that carried
(14:24):
them through.
And here we are, centuries later, carrying the same truth that
in survival, in faith and incommunity, there's always
something to be thankful for,even when it feels like we're
barely making it girl.
God's provision sustains us,his presence strengthens us and
His people yeah they remind usthat we're not alone.
(14:47):
This Thanksgiving, let's honorthe legacy.
Let's be grateful for oursurvival in the storms, for the
faith that anchors us and forthe community, however big or
small that walks alongside us.
Because, girl, these blessings,those sometimes overlooked, are
the ones that truly matter.
(15:07):
So, I don't know, maybe youwrite a gratitude letter to
yourself or to God, reflectingon how far you've come.
Create a prayer jar where youwrite down blessings or hopes
for the year ahead.
Plan a future celebration withyour kids when they return,
turning Thanksgiving into aseason rather than a single day,
redefining the meaning ofThanksgiving.
(15:32):
Okay, so, as I close, let's getreal.
Somewhere along the way,thanksgiving stopped being about
gratitude and started beingabout stretchy pants, black
Friday sales and figuring outhow to politely decline Aunt
Edna's mystery casserole.
Do we even know what's in thatthing?
And hey, I'm not knocking thestretchy pants.
(15:53):
We all need those after a goodThanksgiving meal.
But let's talk about whatThanksgiving really means.
If your Thanksgiving looks alittle different this year,
whether it's just you or you andyour little ones gathered
around a table for one, let meremind you of this.
Thanksgiving isn't about howmany people are at the table or
how perfectly everything comestogether.
(16:14):
It's about gratitude, and thatdoesn't require a crowd.
You don't need a packed tableto give thanks.
You don't need a gourmet mealto feel full, and you definitely
don't need the world'sdefinition of perfect to
celebrate what's good in yourlife, because when you invite
Jesus to your table, he fillsthe empty spaces with his
(16:35):
presence, his peace and his love.
So if it's turkey for one thisyear, or two, or even five,
remember this one is a wholenumber and when you add Jesus to
the equation, it's more thanenough.
He turns your quietThanksgiving into a sacred
moment, reminding you that youare seen, loved and held this
(16:56):
Thanksgiving.
Let's redefine the holidaymoment.
Forget the pressure to make itinsta-worthy or the guilt over
what it is not or what you justate.
Instead, focus on what is, whatis a chance to celebrate the
blessings you do have, thepeople who matter the most and
(17:16):
the God who's been with youevery step of the way.
And if you're struggling to seethose blessings this year, you
are not alone and you don't haveto carry that weight by
yourself.
Our 24-hour prayer line isalways open at 855-822-PRAY.
Whether you need someone to praywith you, talk to you or simply
(17:38):
remind you that God's got this,we are here for you.
And if you don't know Jesus, weare even here to introduce you
to him so he can be an honoredguest at your table this year,
creating a new Thanksgivingtradition, and if you're looking
for a way to deepen your faithand find your community, we
encourage you to find aBible-based church where you can
(17:58):
plug in, grow and be supported.
You don't have to figure thisout alone, and you are never
truly by yourself unless youwant to be so grab those
stretchy pants, burn those rollsif you must, and let's
celebrate Thanksgiving in itspurest form, with gratitude,
faith and maybe a second helpingof pie or two, because no
(18:20):
matter how many chairs are atyour table, when Jesus is with
you it is always full Turkey forone.
Please have a wonderful weekand remember it's a single mom
thing and not the single thingthat stops you.
Thanks for listening to.
It's a Single Mom Thing.
I hope you enjoyed our timetogether.
If you have more questions onhow to have a relationship with
(18:41):
Jesus or need prayer, visit usat wwwshepherdsvillagecom
backslash prayer.
For more information andresources, check out our show
notes.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!