The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Sometime in August, I noticed stores in our part of the world making room for Halloween decorations (or Hell-oween as I like to call it) and before the Helloween decorations could be removed, room was being made for Christmas ornaments.  I suppose there's nothing wrong with that EXCEPT...squeezed between the two were sparse amounts of Thanksgiving (mostly fall) knick-knacks.  This, to me, is a reminder that to a large population Thanksgiving doesn’t really count for much.  I get that it doesn’t turn as much profit as Helloween, Christmas, or Easter but what really breaks my heart is that we miss the “spirit” of the Thanksgiving season altogether.  Be honest, if I said “Thanksgiving”, you would say “turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie!”  Am I right?   It’s all about the food! 

Why is Thanksgiving so special to me?  Why not Christmas or Easter?  We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day; His death, burial, and resurrection are celebrated on Easter - what holidays could possibly be more important than these?  Clearly none of the other holidays carry as much significance as these for most Christians, however I think Thanksgiving should be reevaluated.    

Imagine a day, just one day, among 365 set aside for one purpose alone…to be still and reflect on all God has given us.  Psalm 40:5 says, “…If I had to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.”  It would be awesome if we made an effort to do this daily basis, but let's be honest...we don’t. 

Thanksgiving is a national holiday.  Most people usually have a couple of days off during this time; kids are out of school the entire week; families make plans to share a meal together, etc.  Can we just forget about Christmas this week?  Can we, instead, focus on creating an "atmosphere" of Thanksgiving in our homes?  Instead of fighting the mall traffic or planning for Black Friday can we just be still?  Can we enjoy the peace (and humility) that comes from reflecting on God’s provision, His grace, His mercy, His unconditional love, His blessing? 

Last night I attended a community-wide Thanksgiving service in town.   Ten churches of various faiths came together in one accord, for one express purpose – to worship God with praise offerings and heartfelt expressions of Thanksgiving.  We were challenged to look back, take an inventory of our lives, and thank God for His blessings.  I challenge you to do the same this week.  Be still, look around you, what has God done in your life this past year?  Give thanks.

May your heart and home be filled with the spirit of Thanksgiving today and every day!