Dear Friends in Christ:
I have to admit that when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving I am of two minds. Now, I have to say that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It brings back wonderful memories of dinners with family and friends. A special day shared with special people. And is there anything that tastes better than Thanksgiving Dinner?
But on the other hand – for us as followers of Jesus Christ, Thanksgiving is not relegated to one day in November. It is how we live out our faith – with gratitude. Not just on one day of the year – but on every day.
In our day and age, Thanksgiving has become a day that is as much about football and shopping and eating as giving thanks to God. I have no objection to football or eating – those are some of my favorite things about Thanksgiving. And while I don’t get into Black Friday shopping, I know that for some folks, the planning and the shopping are a big part of their celebration. But it seems like as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared away we plunge head long into the Christmas season. There is not really much time to say thanks.
But as I said, there is Thanksgiving (a holiday in November) and there is thanksgiving (a way of life for the followers of Jesus). A part of many Thanksgiving celebrations is going around the dinner table and inviting everyone to say what it is that they are thankful for. I would invite all of us to make that a part of each and every day. “Happy Friday, Lord! What am I thankful for today? I thank you for the beauty of a fall day and the brilliant red leaves on the tree outside my window. I thank you for my family and my friends. I thank you for my community of faith at Two Steeples. I thank you for loving me and calling me your child. I thank you for walking with me on my journey of life. I thank you for the many blessings you have given me, Lord.”
A blessed Thanksgiving to you all! And may each and every day fill you with thanksgiving.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Linda
