A spiritual heritage is the richest heritage any child can receive.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11)

Are you being a light to the world? To your family?

Our family’s celebration of Thanksgiving Day this year was the strangest one ever. We went to the Oxford Bar and Grill in North Carolina to have dinner with Julia’s side of the family. Our family rarely, if ever goes to North Carolina for Thanksgiving because most of Julia’s family lives in Northern Virginia and my parents live in Central Virginia. I think our family has always celebrated Thanksgiving in one of our homes, not at a restaurant, and certainly not at a bar and grill.

Earlier this year, Kirby (Julia’s brother) cut back to part-time with IBM in order to start this Bar and Grill restaurant with a friend. The business formally opened just six weeks ago. While talking to Kirby, I discovered that his restaurant is the only business that sells alcoholic beverages in all of Oxford.

Unlike our family homes, this huge restaurant was not cozy and felt spiritually cold. A football game was showing on the big plasma TV’s. As food was brought out, people began to eat without the slightest thought of saying a prayer or waiting to start together. Finally, Julia’s mother spoke up and asked people to wait so I could say a prayer.

First I read a short message about how Thanksgiving has lost its original meaning for many people. Then a group of 14-16 of us held hands in a circle while I said a prayer giving thanks to God and pronouncing a blessing. I believe this was significant spiritually because both owners and their spouses and children were present. God’s light was brought into the restaurant.

A new door has been opened. While Kirby grew up completely unchurched and has never been open to discussions about God, he appreciated the sacrifice our family made in driving four hours each way to visit. As he struggles to keep reliable workers and stay afloat financially, I’m praying God will draw him near.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You that I grew up in a home where prayer at meal times is welcome. Thank You that my family and my wife’s family live nearby and that we enjoy getting together. My heart aches for people who spend the holidays alone. My heart is broken for all the suffering people around the world, including those who have no food to eat. Help Americans to appreciate how richly blessed we are and place a burden on our hearts to reach out and share our wealth with those much less fortunate. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Heritage Builders [www.heritagebuilders.com] – helping educate, train and equip families to become intentional about passing on a Godly Heritage to their children

Blessings to pass on a rich spiritual heritage to your descendants!