5 Kernels of Corn | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: 5 Kernels of Corn | Previous Challenge Entry
By Birga Alden
11/21/08
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I grumbled in my spirit as tried to figure out what to do about Thanksgiving. My parents will have just returned from a cousin’s out of state wedding, my aging grandparents needed special transportation to accommodate a wheelchair, and then I got the news that my aunt would be joining us. She has cancer throughout her body, and needs a special all raw veggie meal. And that was only my half of the family. My husband’s parents wanted to have a meal at their house, my brother-in-law’s parents were coming from across the country and I felt it was my job to iron everything out and make everyone happy.
After many back and forth conversations, I was mad and hurt that there wasn’t more flexibility by everyone else. Couldn’t they see that I was doing the best I could? A final decision had been reached, and it look liked there was no way for us to all be together. Two homes would host two meals, at the same time.
Brooding in my self-absorbed bubble, my mind began to wander to Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day. . . New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day. AHHHHHH! How could this ever work out?
Then I heard a radio program about the pilgrims. Freezing and diseased, they unearthed a kettle full of corn kernels. Having no other provisions, they rationed out 5 kernels per person. And day after day, through the long winter season, that was all there was to eat; 5 kernels of corn—and they were grateful!
Disgusted by my attitude, I re-examined the upcoming holidays. Thank you Lord that we have so much family in town, we must use two homes to celebrate! Thank you Lord that my grandparents are still alive. Thank you Lord that even with cancer, my aunt will be at our table.
And once the turkey and sweet potatoes are put into the fridge, the pie has been eaten and the dishes washed, my daughters will be eagerly waiting to put up the Christmas tree. Lord, help me to see the joy in their faces and eagerly decorate our home that we may usher in the celebration of your birth. Whether it be Christmas, or one of the other 364 days of the year, let it be apparent that: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

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