Tomorrow will bring many traditions. A celebration of thanks to God for His blessing and provision goes back thousands of years. I love the tradition of celebrating His bountiful provision with a feast meal and extended family and friends to share it with. I love the tradition of counting our blessings, sharing things we are thankful for.
Tomorrow we will celebrate in this way, the traditional turkey dinner with 20 family members at our home. We will eat great food, share great fellowship, and hopefully share our thanks and gratefulness.
One family tradition I do not like, (I did not start it and don’t plan to perpetuate it,) is the writing and giving of Christmas wish lists on this day. This is a day when we are suppose to be concentrating on the abundance that we have to be grateful for, and giving thanks for it. This tradition, instead, turns it into a day for lusting for more, concentrating on what you don’t have and what you “really” want.
The “wish list” is not something I like to concentrate on at all, and I generally throw away all the Christmas ads that just hammer into our children’s (and our) heads all that is out there, that they don’t have. All things that they are (most likely) living a perfectly fine life without. When asked if there is something you need or would be a blessing to you, you shouldn’t have to scour ads just to find something you want. If this is the case, you already have more than enough.
In a sense, this is just more of the tradition that many have on this day. A tradition of gluttony. Rather than focusing on the blessing of bounty God has provided, many focus on gorging themselves with it. It becomes a day of over-indulging, not a day of satisfaction with enough, and gratefulness for it. But pushing for the more. The wish list, sadly, fits right in there.
Tomorrow may we all focus on the “reason for this season”. It is not turkey day, football, gluttony, or lust. It is blessing God for all He has provided. It is sharing that bounty with our family and friends.
At your feast, try focusing on fellowship. Yesterday Jeff Myers shared 21 questions/topics you could share around your ThanksGiving dinner table tomorrow. Perhaps you’d like to give them a try – or springboard off of them with your own ideas.
Express thanks to someone in the room for something they did for you.
“I’m thankful for…” Finish the sentence.
If you could have the attention of the whole world for 30 seconds, what would you say?
One thing I’m thankful for about our country.
What is the key to success in life? Why do you say that?
Tell about a lesson you learned the hard way.
What are some ways life is different now than in the old days?
Tell a story of a decision your ancestors made that changed the direction of their lives-and yours.
Tell about a lesson you learned by watching someone else.
“A person I would like to honor publicly is…”
“Time and money aside, I would rather be…”
Tell about an experience that changed you for the better.
Tell a story about something that started out bad but had a happy ending.
“My first hero was _________.”
Tell about a time when you showed courage.
Describe a teacher who had a significant influence on your life.
Tell about an invention that made your life easier.
“The most admired public figure when I was growing up was ____.” Tell a story.
Tell about a memorable event in your life.
“A famous person I’ve met is _____.” Tell about the experience.
“I got in so much trouble…” Tell the story!
I hope your ThanksGiving Day is filled with Thanks and Giving!
With Family and Fellowship!
With Love and Laughter!
With the Glory of God and Gratefulness to your Heavenly Provider!
AND it’s not too late to order
A Freedom & Simplicity!™ ThanksGiving Study
and choose a few simple activities to add to your Celebration!
