Write2Ignite

Growing up, I loved Thanksgiving. It was one of the few times my extended family got together. And while it wasn’t anywhere close to a Norman Rockwell experience, being together meant so much to my young heart. My aunt usually hosted, and she was a fantastic cook. I looked forward to her feast—she must’ve cooked for days.

Our extended family hasn’t gathered like that for years, but those memories trickle though my brain like a gentle stream passing over pebbles as I now try to create a full, family day for my own crew.  Recently, a picture book I read whisked me back to those childhood feelings: THANKSGIVING IN THE WOODS by Phyllis Alsdurf, Illustrated by Jenny Lovlie.

About Thanksgiving in the Woods

THANKSGIVING IN THE WOODS is a tale of a family who meets in the woods for Thanksgiving—with everyone bringing some kind of food. A table is built beforehand in a clearing to make room for cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends new and old. The family gathers to eat after grandma rings a dinner bell. Once bellies are full, the family partakes in playing music and dancing—all while talking about being thankful. As the day draws dark, the family lights a bonfire to warm themselves before leaving to go home.

I’m not sure how many of us would be able to experience this kind of Thanksgiving. In Montana, we’d risk some dreadfully cold temperatures to have Thanksgiving outside. Yet, I appreciate the way the family gathers and their joy in being together. I’ve always wanted, and prayed for, delight around my table.

Planning for the Feast

It struck me with this book, how intentionally the main character’s family planned for the event. Obviously, holding a Thanksgiving feast outside would require forward thinking—which made me think of how much we prep for not only the holidays, but also our writing. Planning for Thanksgiving is a lot like writing—we make a list of supplies (an outline), we mix ingredients to create dishes (mixing words to make sentences), and we put food on the table for others to eat, (compiling a book for others to read). Maybe guests bring a dish or two, just like critique partners add thoughtful insights to our work.

Even with all this planning, inevitably something turns out differently than expected. Maybe a recipe doesn’t turn out quite right—or we have to revise and revise and revise. Whatever the case, going with the flow, is required in our words and at our Thanksgiving tables—all with the intention that our efforts will delight those who encounter what we’ve made.

Maybe it seems like a stretch to compare our writing with our Thanksgiving preparations, but it seems much of life lends itself to overlapping. Thankfully, our Creator understands our life rhythms and even experienced them Himself.

Regardless of whether we are cooking or writing—we make plans that we intend to carry out, but it is the Lord’s goodness that sees it all to fruition. God’s word says, “Many are the plans in person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purposes that prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)

This verse is a wonderful reminder that whatever we plan, God will direct us as we allow Him to work in our lives—be it writing or a Thanksgiving feast. And if your plans need a little inspiration this year—or maybe you’re simply looking for a great story to read with young ones—be sure to pick up THANKSGIVING IN THE WOODS.

What about You?

What plans do you have for this Thanksgiving? Have you ever held Thanksgiving dinner outside?

Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, a children’s author, rancher’s wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. Her passion is sharing His Light and Life with a wounded world through stories, poems, and blog posts. She blogs about connecting with the kid inside all of us at www.marciwhitehurst.subtack.com. She can also be reached through her website at www.marciwhitehurst.com. Find her on X(Twitter) at @marciwhitehurst and on instagram @marci_whitehurst.