Meaningful talk at Thanksgiving

Last week my sister-in-law who lives in Ft. Worth (and is hosting us for Thanksgiving) asked me a favor. She wanted me to prepare some questions for our dinner time tomorrow. Here's what we plan to do as 15 of us gather at her house (some of us haven't seen each other for 3 years):

A. Wednesday night -- After a Mexican meal and dessert we're heading to the living room for a sharing and praise time. Then we're going to pass out index cards and ask them to be prepared to share their response to this question:

What is something great that happened this past year – an answered prayer, a new experience, a movie or book that changed your life?

I'm looking forward to everyone's response.

B. Thanksgiving Dinner -- We're going to have baskets at both tables (unless all 15 of us can fit in one room on one long table). In the baskets will be strips of paper with these questions on them:

1. What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever made?

2. What do you hope to be remembered for?

3. What do you believe are the strongest character traits that God has given you?

4. Other than family, name one or two people that are the most important people in your life right now…and why?

5. What was the best trip you ever took?

6. What is your favorite all-time movie…and why?

7. What is your favorite book (besides the Bible)? Tell a little bit about why you liked it so much.

8. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

9. What is the favorite place you’ve been on a family vacation?

10. Where was the warmest place or who was the warmest person in your childhood?

11. When in your life did you feel closest with God?

12. When did you feel the farthest from God?

13. If there were one day in your life, or week in your life, that you could relive, what would it be?

You might try this at your dinner table tomorrow. We did this exercise at the table last Thanksgiving when we were the hosts. There were 18 of us around a table. I still remember the answer to many of the questions -- at times they were very touching and at other times hilarious. You really get to know more of each other's hearts when you get them to ask these questions.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening...

Ps. 92:1-2

Jim