With Thanksgiving around the corner, I am sure all of us are slowly preparing for the holiday. Some of us might be hosting the meal for family and friends and are striving to make sure there is enough food. Some of us might be traveling for the holiday and need to reach a destination. No matter the role we play for the holiday, we have our sights set for what we need to accomplish for things to run smoothly. Is it possible that our focus is so narrow that we lose sight of what is going on around us?

Growing up, I attended the McAndrews Church of Christ in McAndrews, KY. Every Thanksgiving, my family and I, along with other members of the congregation, would begin the day by preparing meals for those in need in the community. For weeks leading up to the holiday, names for those who needed meals were compiled, the meals were prepared and were soon delivered to those families. Years ago, there was a member of the congregation who noticed someone in need of a meal for Thanksgiving. A meal was shortly made and delivered to that person in need. What started as a meal served for one person would result in hundreds of meals served over the years to those in need. This tradition continues to this day.

As Christians, we are called to serve others and let our light shine. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

While it is important for us to take care of our responsibilities during the holiday, we should be aware of opportunities to serve others during a time our focus can be narrow. The Thanksgiving tradition at McAndrews Church of Christ became a reality because one person noticed someone in need. Are we showing the heart of a servant? Are we aware of what is going on around us?