The phrase “the morning after” can come with many connotations, depending on how it’s used and a person’s own experience. In most instances, however, it relates to some form of regret over past actions.
- Hangovers come “the morning after” a big night of drinking.
- “The morning after” pill is taken by those who regret a sexual encounter and want to avoid the consequences.
- Singer Maureen McGovern made famous the song about “the morning after”* which talks about getting through the storms of life.
What does the morning after Thanksgiving look like for you? Is it a morning of regret for overeating? Breaking your diet? Getting mad at your siblings over politics? Missed opportunities to tell a parent that you loved them? Maybe it’s just regret that the holiday has lost its joy, because of lost loved ones or friends.
While the morning after Thanksgiving may be just another work day or one focused on shopping, what can be done to keep it from being a day when gratitude is forgotten?
- Thank the Lord for yesterday. Whether you were with family or not, what did God do, for which you can be grateful?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Thank the Lord for today. It’s a new opportunity to see him at work in the world.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
- Thank the Lord for how he is going to work in the future.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Thank the Lord, this morning after does not have to be one of regret. Keep your attitude one of gratitude and watch with anticipation for what he’ll do next.
Grace and Peace
*”The Morning After” written by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. Sung in 1973 by Maureen McGovern.