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“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 (ESV)

Turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, rolls, etc. – oh the food was so delish this Thanksgiving. The familiarity of these holiday faves eased the discomfort of everything being different. This was the first ever Thanksgiving in a long, long time that I didn’t cook the evening meal. I so enjoy cooking, hosting  and then getting up super early on Friday to do some serious Black Friday shopping. By Sunday afternoon 90% of my Christmas shopping is done, the tree is up and decorated and I’m chilling ready for the return to work.

2024 definitely unveiled a totally different vibe for Thanksgiving. We traveled to Pennsylvania to spend Thanksgiving with my husband’s family. No Black Friday shopping. Lots of traveling and then back to work no trimming of the tree – the long awaited holiday was over in a flash.

Dropping the pity party here because totally different may challenge us, yet it also unveils pivotal moments to embrace God’s sovereign plan. Nestled right there in the middle of different was a gathering surrounding my husband’s 90 year old mom whose face glowed at the sight of her children, grandchildren and greatgrands. Lengthy conversations filled the air as stories were shared, challenges voiced and encouragement offered. Sweet moments of reflection divinely orchestrated by our God. And my Lynchburg family survived without their usual Thanksgiving meal and did a pickup meal from a local vendor. They loved the food and everyone stayed warm in their homes despite the chill and wind outside.

Totally different than anyone expected is how God orchestrated the arrival of His Son into this world. Some anticipated a conquering king, royalty or a mighty warrior. Yet Jesus’ entrance into this world began not in a palace but in a manger. Shepherds quietly tending their flock on an ordinary evening witnessed spectacularly different when the angelic host filled the skies with their praise.  A totally different star gloriously illuminated the dark of night leading wise men to Bethlehem. And the life lived and sacrificed by the tiny babe in the manger was totally different than anyone could have imagined.

So sweet friends despite our lack of joy over totally different,  God sees the bigger picture and if we let Him, He will show us His glory despite our reluctance to accept different. In just 23 days, we will close out 2024. Perhaps now is a good time to review how God has allowed different in our year to shape us into stronger and more God centered women than we were before. Perhaps God’s newness in us will bring greater glory than we ever imagined all because we are now totally different.

“Sweet Jesus thank You for the gift of perspective…for stretching us where we would rather settle for same and teaching us the value of different. Show us Your glory in the midst of our days many of which look different than we expected, yet all hold the potential of allowing You to orchestrate beautiful moments when we release them into Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life