This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, with many of you entertaining and enjoying the company the fellowship of others.

 

Last week, I had the opportunity to fellowship with various Toastmasters located in a specific division related to our district.

 

We had 13 Toastmasters from various clubs enjoying a potluck-style dinner and sharing stories for two hours.

 

As Toastmasters, we’re taught to think fast on our feet with impromptu conversations such as “Table Topics.”

 

It involved the three C’s Chaos, Confusion, and Clutter with a fourth C being added Casserole.

 

I’m sure we have all been there during the Thanksgiving Holiday involving  the four “C’s.”

 

Chaos is inevitable with large gatherings.

 

Confusion can occur with everyone bringing the same dish.

 

Clutter is when I think of all the preparation for guests arriving and ensuring the home is ready for hosting our guests.

 

Finally, through the years everyone has their favorite Casserole. Many of us remember the Green Bean Casserole that continues to make its presence at many gatherings.

 

Therefore, enough was said about the Casserole.

 

My question to you is what exactly is fellowship and how does it effect our mindset?  The Bible is full of reasons why fellowship is important, yet many don’t understand the importance of fellowship.

 

What is fellowship? Why is it important? 1 John 1:7

 

I’ve only touched on one aspect of fellowship.

 

Work-life balance and fellowship.  I found it interesting that “According to Lifeway Research, 43% of pastors say they need to give attention to work-life balance.”

 

Video: Tips for Work-Life Balance in Ministry – Lifeway Research

 

I also want you to think about, the mindset of how Thanksgiving this year will be spent, as it relates to many Americans celebrating Thanksgiving.

 

How Americans celebrate Thanksgiving | Pew Research Center

 

For those that are traveling don’t forget about practicing some patience as part of your work-life balance with record numbers traveling this year.

 

Holiday travel: Record number of Americans expected to drive, fly for Thanksgiving holiday across the U.S. – ABC7 New York

 

What I was also not aware of was the mandate on roadside diners in New York City coming down after Thanksgiving.

 

Outdoor dining | NYC restaurants must remove roadway sheds by next week as the post-COVID program dwindles participation.

 

“The permanent outdoor eating program, Dining Out NYC, allows restaurants to keep dining sheds on the sidewalk year-round, albeit in a modular setup easier to put up and take down than the large structures that defined the COVID era in the city. But streeteries in the roadway are only allowed between April and November and must be taken down for the winter by next Friday, Nov. 29, so the curb can be restored for automobile parking.  Restaurants out of compliance could face fines of up to $1,000. Roadway setups can return on April 1, 2025.”

 

Outdoor dining | NYC restaurants must remove roadway sheds by next week as post-COVID program dwindles participation | amNewYork

 

I can imagine the three C’s (Chaos, Confusion, and Clutter) all being in full effect for those who are in the process or have already taken steps to avoid fines for not complying.

 

Sometimes we just don’t know what the other states are going through during this Thanksgiving season.

 

As you and I count our many blessings for this year, the question is how will you eliminate “Chaos, Confusion, and Clutter” from your Thanksgiving holiday?

 

In looking inward this Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of this quote:

 

“The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.”  – Saint Teresa of Calcutta

 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember:

 

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.”  – Saint Gianna Beretta Molla