Thanksgiving: More Than a Feast!

Did you feel that cold air that came through the area at the end of last month? Around our house, when those first few cold days show up, it’s time for fires in the backyard or screened porch.

Sitting around those early fall fires, there’s a sense of warmth and gratitude that stirs within us as we sense the year coming to a close.

Even more so now, with Thanksgiving upon us, it’s the perfect time to continue reflecting on what this year has brought.

If you’re like me, sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and the essence of Thanksgiving can become overshadowed by the chaos around us.

God’s Word always brings us back to what is good and true, and we find that Thanksgiving is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a way of life, a posture of the heart.

In the Bible, we’re reminded time and time again to give thanks. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh GIVE THANKS to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re encouraged to “GIVE THANKS in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This Thanksgiving, let’s challenge ourselves to truly embrace this biblical call to gratitude. Let’s not just give thanks for the blessings that overflow our lives but also for the challenges that have shaped us. In those moments of hardship, we have an opportunity to grow in faith and character, to lean on God’s grace, and to recognize His unending love.

Think of the early settlers who celebrated the first Thanksgiving. They faced unimaginable challenges and uncertainties, yet they still gathered to give thanks for the harvest and the Lord’s provision. Their faith amid adversity is a testament to the power of gratitude as they trusted in the providence of God.

So, this year, as you gather around your table, consider going a step further. Please encourage your family to share not only the things they’re thankful for but also the moments that stretched their faith. Those are the experiences that, in hindsight, reveal God’s hand guiding us through the storms.

This Thanksgiving, let’s look at the holiday through new eyes, not just as a day of feasting and football, but as a celebration of God’s enduring love and our journey of faith. May your hearts be filled with gratitude, and may your homes be a testament to the power of Thanksgiving.
Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving season!