A Thanksgiving Reminder

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  However, the news concerning that day is not focused upon a spirit of gratitude to God for the many blessings that He has bestowed upon us, but it is upon how early the stores will open so that we can go and fight the crowds for that "blockbuster deal."  Somehow I don't believe that, when the fourth Thursday of November was set aside to be a national day of Thanksgiving, it was envisioned that it be anything other than a day for family celebrations around the received blessings from God.  Yes, there was to be the feast - turkey with all its trimmings.  Yes, there would be opportunities for families to engage in an activity that they would not normally do - perhaps, put together a puzzle, or play a game, or watch a special movie. 

Thanksgiving has become a mere blimp on the calendar, sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas.  Perhaps it is because there is no commercial value to Thanksgiving.  How does one market Thanksgiving?  How can one make a profit on Thanksgiving unless you are selling turkeys and cranberries?  Pilgrim costumes don't seem to have that same sell-ability as do ghosts and elves.  Unlike most other holidays, Thanksgiving appears to be rather boring.  Remove the dinner and all that is left is - well, in the eyes of many, just another day.  So, why not go shopping?  So, why not hurry off to spend money? 

I believe our attitude toward Thanksgiving Day is just another reflection of how far removed we are from a meaningful walk with God.  In the Old Testament, God created three opportunities for Israel to pause, to remember, and to celebrate the goodness of God.  Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were all times of celebration after the annual spring and fall harvests.  Yes, the people were to use those times to be with family.  But, more importantly, they were to use those days - and each of the above feasts lasted for seven days or longer - to focus on being grateful to God for His protection, His presence, and His provision. 

So, tomorrow, take time to say "thank you to God."  Perhaps you will want to read Psalm 103 before you dig into the turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn pudding, and pumpkin pie.  Perhaps you might want to just go around the table and ask everyone to share something they are thankful to God for.  Perhaps it is just taking a few quiet, personal moments to say a word of heartfelt gratitude to God for His blessings this past year. 

In closing I share this passage with you.  It will perhaps be the most read passage tomorrow, but its truths are so very powerfully said. 
     1.  Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
     2.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
    3.  Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
    4.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name,
    5.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  (Psalm 100)

May you all have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!