Are you ready? Do you have big plans to feast on turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings? Are all of your relatives getting together? Are there parades and football games that will take all of your attention throughout the day?
You probably have many traditions in your family. We just need to make sure that we do not forget why we celebrate. It began with the pilgrims in 1621 to celebrate their first harvest. The Native Americans had taught them how to provide for themselves in this new world. They celebrated for three days. We can not do that now because it would get in the way of black Friday shopping. The key is to give thanks for everything that God has provided for us.
God is our Great Provider. By ourselves we are nothing. He provides for all of our needs. The close family that you celebrate with is a blessing. You are reading this because of modern technology which many people do not have access to. You are probably going to have more food than you could ever imagine eating. There are people who do not know where their next meal will come from. Think about all your material possessions. The friendships that you have developed over the years are priceless.
I can go on for a long time in listing my blessings. I pray for those that do not have the blessings that I have. There are homeless people that have struggled to find a warm place to spend the night. As I work with a food pantry at my church, it makes me aware of how many people cannot count on having food on the table each week. I pray for those in other countries that do not have the luxuries that we have. We do not stop to think about how good we really have it.
Even as much as we have, we are greedy for more. It is never enough. We want to work more hours and jobs so we can buy even more. Have you noticed that people with more money are not necessarily happier? That is because material things in life are not what is important. I celebrate my good health and the love and support of my close friends and family. I am thankful to have a God that will always be there for me. No matter what is going on in my life, He never leaves my side. I have faith that His plan is much better than my plan. I am thankful that He is finally getting through to me to see that.
I wish you and your families have a Happy Thanksgiving. Just remember to say thanks.
