November, 2009
by Pastor Dave Speicher

Thanksgiving. The very word conjures up fear in the minds of many. It has come to signify that Christmas is “almost” here. The shopping isn’t done and the house needs to be decorated. Or it means a long weekend spent enduring strange and peculiar relatives… or blowing the diet by shoving in another piece of pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving seems to have lost a lot of its meaning. Our sensitivity to the significance of the holiday has been dulled. Historians differ in their accounts of the events of the first Thanksgiving, but one thing is for certain – it certainly was filled with prayer. The first settlers had much to be thankful for – God’s guidance, protection and provision.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever (Psalm 118:1).

God is good – He meets our physical needs through things like food, clothing and shelter. He gives us opportunities for relationships through our family and friends. He heals – physically, emotionally and relationally. But the greatest reason that God should have our thanks is in the second half of that verse: His love endures forever. That is powerful! Those at the first Thanksgiving certainly realized this truth. They faced danger and hardship constantly. But, enduring love does not changed. Enduring love remains strong, even in the face of hardship. In our troubled world today, it may seem difficult everyday life press in on us. We rush around at a hectic pace just trying to keep up with the demands. But the enduring love of God refuses to let go. As darkness grows around us, we need to renew our commitment to thankfulness. When we are reminded of His many blessings, He can begin to bring strength and healing to us.

Of course, we are to ALWAYS be thankful for the blessings that God has given us, not just during the Thanksgiving holiday season, but here’s a few practical ways to make this time a little more meaningful and thoughtful for you and your family.

  • During this month, have each person in the family write a list of things they are thankful for that begin with each letter of the alphabet. (You can substitute “Ex” for “X” so that you don’t have to be thankful for xylophones!). On Thanksgiving Day, share your lists with each other.
  • Make a list of people that you love and appreciate, but rarely get to see. Send them a card or a special e-mail and let them know how you feel. Better yet, call them.
  • Create an “ungrateful” fund jar. Each time a family member complains about something, they owe 25 cents to the jar. At the end of the month, supplement the proceeds and donate it to a local food bank, homeless shelter or church Thanksgiving offering.
  • Instead of going shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, bake some cookies or pies with your children and take them to neighbors.
  • During your family devotion time, focus on scriptures that remind you to be thankful and grateful. In addition to the verse above, some places to start are: Psalm 95:1-7, Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Hebrews 12:28-29, Philippians 4:4-7

    • I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
    I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High”
    (Psalm 9:1-2, NLT)