What is Thanksgiving really all about? In the year 2012, when people talk about Thanksgiving we all think of turkey, stuffing, football, and a break from school. But is that really what we should be thinking about on this day?
In early autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their successful harvest, as was the English custom. The Pilgrims did not call this harvest festival a "Thanksgiving," although they did give thanks to God. To them, a Day of Thanksgiving was purely religious. The first recorded religious Day of Thanksgiving was held in 1623 in response to a providential rainfall.
| "Thanksgiving is celebrated at the expense of Native Peoples who had to give up their lands and culture for America to become what it is today." |
Now, I know that I also forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Throughout the year life happens and you forget the true meaning. But Thanksgiving is not the only time that you should be reminded of all you are thankful for. "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34. So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving! A day where we can spend time with family, eat good food, and yes, watch football if we so please. But more importantly, tomorrow we need to remember all that we are thankful for. Everything that God has blessed us with throughout the year and even in the past. Here are a few things that I am thankful for. I encourage you all to write a list of at least five things that you are thankful for. 1. Family 2. Friends 3. The chance to wake up everyday 4. God's unending mercy and grace 5. The freedom that I have to worship God 6. An ability to get an education (even though I take it for granted sometimes) 7. My puppies who know how to make me feel better when I'm having a bad day. 8. My best friend who has been with me through all the ups and down (and trust me there have been a lot of those) 9. My house 10. The great and wonderful gift of salvation 11. Talents that God has given me See, God has given us so many to be thankful for. These are only a few things that I am thankful for. And if I was to really ask God to show me what I should be thankful for then He would show me all that and more. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!! Have fun with your families and remember that we should be thankful all day and everyday because God gives us reason every day. |
