Thanksgiving November 20, 2006
Well, at this point in the month, I’m sure everybody is thinking about the upcoming holiday called Thanksgiving. But I got to thinking, what is Thanksgiving? Yeah, that sounds like a really stupid question, but really, do we actually remember what this day is for? I think sometimes we get so distracted (or frustrated) by thinking about what needs to get done, or how the house looks, or if the turkey will be thawed in time, that gone from our minds is the real reason for this day.
The majority of people in America (over the age of 5 or so) know all about the first Thanksgiving. My little brother and sister are studying it this week for their schooling. Once again, I’ve heard about the Indians and the Pilgrims, getting together, sharing their food, and feasting. I have nothing against this. But how many people actually remember that Thanksgiving is for giving thanks? I’m sure the Pilgrims didn’t just sit there and say. “Mmmm, good turkey. Pass the potatoes, please.” They were thankful to be free in their new country. Thankful to be able to practice their faith. Thankful to simply be alive. And I’m not sure, because I wasn’t there, but I have a suspicion that they used this day to fellowship together and GIVE THANKS!
Now, approximately 380 years later, I think we’ve drifted slightly away from the Pilgrims’ idea of Thanksgiving. It’s just another day for Wal-Mart and all the big stores to make money off of. Just another holiday for Americans to get stressed out over. Or, on the good side, a paid holiday for some.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO AMERICA?! We, as a nation, are taking everything for granted. Our freedom, our rights, everything. Some people may say, “I don’t care how America started, I don’t care about any of these stupid holidays, I don’t care about my freedom or rights.” Okay, well, by saying that, they just exercised their freedom.
Let’s think of this Thursday as a day to truly give thanks. We, as Americans and Christians, have so much to be thankful for! Let’s use this day to fellowship together with family and friends, and give thanks and praise to the One who really deserves it: God.
Things that I am thankful for:
My salvation and promise of eternal life in heaven with my Savior;
My dad: Thanks for providing for us and working so hard for us all these years! You are greatly loved and appreciated!
My mom: I know it’s not easy to put up with me sometimes, but you do! I’m working on that humility thing. Keep praying; I love you!
My “big” sister: Thanks for all the fun memories of growing up together. I know you’re always there for me to talk to! Love ya lots!
My brother: I don’t show you most of the time that I love you, but I really do! Thanks for still being kind to me, even though sometimes I don’t deserve it.
My little sister: I’m sorry I haven’t been a better example to you. You’re so loving to me all the time, and even though sometimes I don’t respond, I love you!
My littlest sister: Thanks for pointing out my faults in a way that only a 2 year old can! You’ve been so much fun and have taught me so many lessons. Remember, I lova-lova-lova you, but God loves you the mostest!
My grandparents: Thanks for the “talks,” Grandma, even though sometimes I don’t really communicate, I appreciate your wisdom! And thanks, Grandpa, for all the fun, jokes, and advice. I love you both lots!
My grandma: I wish you lived closer to us. I miss you so much. Thanks for the good times when I was little, though. I love you!
My uncle: You’re lots of fun to be around, sometimes too much fun! I still love you, though.
My other uncle, and aunt: I miss you both. Thanks for the good memories when I was little. I’m still praying for you guys!
My friend: You’re the only true friend I’ve had outside my family. Thanks so much for the wisdom and example you’ve given me. I love you!
Our homeschooling friends: It’s so much fun to get together with you guys! The food is always delicious, the Bible studies are wonderful, and the talks are great! I love you all, and am glad we are friends and can do things together!
My job
My home
My church and church family
Food
Our little kitty
My health
My family’s health
God’s protection
I live in the U.S.A.
I have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
I am free to practice my faith in the one and only true God
These are just some of the things I can think of right now, off the top of my head, that I am thankful for. I have so much to celebrate!
