Thanksgiving Pies

Every Thanksgiving, my family has two requests.

Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Casserole (with extra, extra marshmallows.)

Each time I get out the canned pumpkin and begin making pies, the scent of nutmeg and cloves reminds me of a very special Thanksgiving.

I was involved in Women's Ministry at our church. Our daughter was about 4 years old. Bless her heart. She usually went with me to meetings and Bible studies when her daddy was at work. Sometimes I made a point to take her with me so she could see firsthand what it was like to help people.

One year, the ladies in our church decided to bake Thanksgiving pies for a men's home in our area. The men were in need of rehab for various issues and the home helped them battle their problems while learning about the love of God. Our church's Men's Ministry was involved with other activities as well.

It was the day before Thanksgiving. I had gathered all the delicious homemade pies from the talented hands of the ladies in our church. The pies were loaded in my trunk and ready to go.

My daughter went with me. All we had to do was drive up and the manager of the home would meet us. Several polite gentlemen would join him to unload the car.

On our way there, my daughter wanted to know where we were going.

Without going into too much detail, I carefully explained,"Well. We are going to a special home for some men who don't have a home right now. They are learning that Jesus loves them. We are taking them some pies for Thanksgiving."

She didn't say much at the time. We arrived at the home, greeted by the manager. He and the other gentlemen graciously unloaded my car's trunk. We wished them a "Happy Thanksgiving" and headed back to our own home.

Hours later, my husband arrived home from work. It was almost supper time. Barbies had been played with, toys were strewn about, and many other moments had passed since we delivered pies.

Just as he did every other day, my husband asked our daughter, "What did you do today?"

She said with a smile, "Me and Mommy took pies to some men who didn't have any pies."

After a sincere chuckle, I explained our day to my daughter's daddy, and why she described the event the way she did.

Many Thanksgivings later, her announcement still sticks with me. It reminds me of the simplicity of giving, the pureness of generosity. Her childlike perspective teaches me to remember the people out there who are in need. Whether they are men who don't have any pies or a neighbor who doesn't have any family.

I can give something. A pie, a hug, a call to a friend. Something.

I'm thankful that God has blessed me so that I am able to give. I'm thankful that He has helped me see the world through a child's eyes.

And I pray that God will always keep my eyes and my heart open, looking for the people who don't have any pies.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!