I fully expected a Thanksgiving breakdown, I just didn’t know sweet potatoes would trigger it. Today I attempted to make my grandmother’s sweet potato casserole. Even people who hate sweet potatoes BEG me to make this at Thanksgiving once they try it. It might be the butter, cinnamon brown sugar, and pecans in the topping, but I also love the smooth, orange whipped sweet potato base. I already knew the sweet potatoes were different here. There are yellow ones and purple ones called beni-imo (and canned ones in heavy syrup, which I hadn’t considered). I bought all the ‘fresh’ sweet potatoes I could find last week, hitting a farmer’s market nearby. Today we had a feast at the chapel after service, and I decided to go ahead and make the sweet potatoes. I peeled about four yellow ones and a purple one. Once they were boiled, I strained them, pulled out the mixer, and started whipping the filling.
It looked like bean dip, and I started crying.
It’s just not the same. No amount of crumbly streusel topping could fix it.
For many, this Thanksgiving just won’t be the same. Some have lost someone dear, some are far from anything familiar, some are starving or empty, and some miss people and places so much their insides ache. It won’t be the same. Acknowledge it. Grieve it. Then, give thanks for it. If I’ve lost someone, it means I have made memories to cherish. If I am far away, it means I am having new experiences. If I am starving or empty, it means I have space for new things. If I am missing people and places so much my insides ache, it means I have been blessed beyond belief to have held so many dear. Those who gathered for that first Thanksgiving knew about grief and emptiness, having lost over half their friends and family on the voyage and crops that were planted too late. They knew fear. They knew how it felt to be far from everything familiar. They still took time to thank God.
I pray this week that you will gather with those nearby, try something new (even purplish-brown sweet potato casserole), and give thanks to God who always provides more than enough grace for the day.
Amen, Sister.. Sometimes it’s the little breaks in the Dam that starts a flood. Mine was last weekend, but I am thankful for all the good things in my life. Thankful, I don’t have bombs exploding over my head and friends and family who I love dearly. Hang in there :0)
Will do, Michel. So thankful God has stationed us here together. 🙂
Makin’ sweet potato casserole to take to the Larkins gathering with your Aunt Nancy! I will recall your wonderful story with each swirl of the blender as I prepare it. Yep, I am missing someone horribly, and letting God move me forward each day. He does that so well!
Yes, Jan! Give them all hugs from me!
Missing you and the Larkins family gathering all this week as well and wish we could be in Japan with you for purple-brown sweet potato goodness. I’m sure it still tasted scrumptious. – Love you
No, it wasn’t that good– really. Can’t wait to see pics of my little gobbler. Love you.
Thank you! You put it all into beautiful perspective. Love reading your blog.
Thank you for reading, June, and for leaving such a lovely comment. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Sue!
Thanks, Jamie! Hope your family has a great one too!
I just have to say how thankful I am God has planted you here on this little island with us!! I look forward to deepening our friendship in the next year 🙂
Aww… thanks Joy- we are so blessed to be here together! Can’t wait for more adventures together!
Sue,
I don’t know if you have the time to read all the comments, especially ones that are posted as late as this. I hope so, as your “ramblings” create a following that is special for all who read them and those who know you, personally. It seems that no matter what the situation, good or bad, especially the latter, you find a way to gather yourself and see the silver lining. That’s the mark of a very special person and it defines your character. I’m always lifted by your musings, no matter what my mood of the day. I treasure you and the strength you bring to all our lives.
Love, Gary
I definitely read all the comments– thank you so much for reading and for the encouragement!