How Do You Describe Thanksgiving Day?

Hello Hump Day readers. Tomorrow the feast begins. I have fond recollections of what our family did at Thanksgiving. Certainly, we loved the food, but there was also so much more than just eating. I loved the funny stories from my dad and relatives and/or friends that came together for this day.

At that time in my life, football was not involved. However, outdoor activities were and in northern Wisconsin it was snow-ball time. Whoever got the most hits would get an extra slice of pumpkin pie. It was so much fun. The highlight was also the huge turkey, but before we even tried to take a piece, my dad shushed us all up so we could give thanks to God. He did that every year and Al and I continue my dad’s time of prayer on this special holiday.

I thought you might enjoy Thanksgiving thoughts from the Rev. Billy Graham. He titled it “Thanksgiving With Meaning.”

“It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. I have had scores of waiters and waitresses tell me that when we bowed our heads, it was the first time they had ever seen that happen in their restaurant. My answer to them was “that is so sad” and it gave me an opportunity to tell about God and his incredible generosity for all people. In my many years, there is one thing that saddens me—how millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes even have a moment of thanks at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.

To this day I wonder “what does God think about our neglect for thankfulness?” I think God cries. Thanksgiving, and not just the holiday, is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver. I believe that when thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it is the recognition of dependence—a dependence on the Lord our God who gives us generosity day-by-day and every day.”

Pastor Graham—you nailed it about gratitude and generosity! Your words give us meaning for tomorrow but also for every day when we wake up, have food for our bodies and food for our souls and a deep sense of being cared for.

In Psalm 34:18-20, David’s words reveal to us how much God cares for us and is generous for us all—all the time: “The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged. Good people might have many problems, but the Lord will take them all away. He will protect them completely. Not one of their bones will be broken.” [ERV]

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 [TLB], the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

When I read this, I think that Paul is simply saying in a very direction to each and every one of us: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside this parameter—in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.

So, tomorrow whether you are with family, friends, your spouse or alone, take a moment to stop before the festivities begin, and think of the memories you’ve had with the Thanksgiving holiday. No doubt there was laughter and joy and the usual family squabbles, the dog trying to get the turkey, and those who wanted pumpkin pie first. Take it in, laugh out-loud and rejoice in God’s gift of family and friends. And then have a time of prayer with God. Let God’s love and generosity flow through every part of your body…and be grateful. AMEN.