A Time To Give Thanks

Beyond all the reality of living in one of the best countries in the world, there will always be opportunities to make improvements to make it even more a land of possibilities.  Besides the ongoing political debates on immigration, health care, crime prevention, affordable housing and employment, there is a need to take a time out to remember the significant of this time of year.  As this Thanksgiving Day is upon us, it is time to focus on the importance of this time with the celebration of family, history, heritage, good food, and faith.

The celebration of Thanksgiving dates back several centuries and is recognized as a national holiday is several countries.  It is generally observed as a time in which to celebrate a good harvest at the end of the planting season.  Of course the true meaning of Thanksgiving has been lost over the decades and the day has evolved into a number of other things including shopping, football and parties.  It is also looked upon as the start of the Christmas holiday and Advent season.    

In the heart of most Americans, Thanksgiving is one of those special times in which families come together to share some quality time, great food, offer prayers, catch up with events, take pictures, play games and reflect upon what it means to be family. The time honored guest at these gatherings is turkey with stuffing, along with yams, pumpkin pie, ham, rolls, vegetables and cranberry sauce.  If it was a “soul food” thanksgiving dinner, there may be a number of other additional side items including greens, chitterlings, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, peach cobbler, ice cream, mash potatoes, barbeque ribs and chicken.             

This is also a time to focus on those Americans, members in our congregations, the homeless who are living in shelters, under bridges, on park benches, inside cardboard boxes, cars and in manmade shelters.  There will always be those in our great nation who have fallen on hard times, out of work, mentally ill or down on their luck and just need a helping hand.  This is a time to show compassion, good will, spiritual values, and to demonstrate our true humanity.   If we forget who we are and what it means to live in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, then we also have forgotten all those who have gone on before us and helped us to be who we are today.    What do you think?