The Unequally Yoked and the Curse of Norman Rockwell
November 16, 2009
Who is this guy anyway?
Norman Rockwell’s depiction of a perfect Thanksgiving Holiday was featured on the cover of the Saturday Evening Poston November 3, 1945. Ever since then American women strive every year to achieve this idyllic replication of a perfect Thanksgiving celebration in their own homes.
And boy it's a high standard. We often fail.
It’s not as if we haven’t tried. We do all the right things, prepare the turkey, clean the house, and bake up a storm of pies for the momentous meal. All the while secretly dreaming anticipating expecting a holiday filled with smiles, I love you pecks on the check for a job well done, and prayer lead by Dad as the fat bird awaits carving.
In reality some homes experience the Norman Rockwell portrayal. I truly rejoice for those families. But, if you are like me, eventually one family member makes a casuistic remark about someone or something. The kids fail to recognize you have slaved over this meal for days which in reality is over in 15 minutes. They beg to be excused so they can go play video games. So much for lingering conversation and jovial laughter around the ornately decorated table. Or your husband does not believe in God so why give thanks.
Norman Rockwell feels like a curse when you are living in an unequally yoked home during the holidays. As a Christian woman, you long for your husband to be the spiritual leader of your home. Year after year you hope your husband will stand up and say grace. You pray and pray and pray secretly clinging to that idyllic image in your head of what Norman Rockwell would look like in your home if only Dad believed.
As a woman you are desperate to commemorate Thanksgiving like it should be. You want your home, Dad, Mom and kids to give thanks to God for the rich blessings He bestows. And for all your men readers out there and I know you’re out there, you want the same thing. You also want your spouse to know God and have a Thanksgiving as a family truly giving thanks to the Lord.
I get it. I KNOW how you feel.
So acknowledge now that Thursday after next likely won’t be a Norman Rockwell. Let it be a Donovan Clan Extravaganza, or a Miller Thanksgiving, or a ________________(insert your name) Family Turkey Day. Decide today that if your spouse won’t say a blessing, you will. You give thanks to God for the riches so freely given. Model your faith for your children and your spouse.
Decide today to love your crazy, dysfunctional, and not so perfect family like Jesus. Lavish the love of Christ upon your misfits and unappreciative brood. That kind of love speaks louder than any painting by ole Norman baby. Love them like Jesus.
Decide today to toss all your expectations and entitlements out the window. Serve with joy in your heart because you have the truth inside you. You have Jesus Christ to fill you up. Simply start early that morning and read:
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Men will praise God. God will be honored by your service.
Take the pressure off this year. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and love with that great big heart God gave you, on your unbelieving spouse, your kids and everyone you meet.
I have loved you with an everlasting love~ Says the Lord Almighty.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Be Blessed, Lynn