Thanksgiving

I used to be the one who untangled my wife’s gold necklaces. I did brake jobs on our cars, changed out light switches and electrical sockets, cleaned our kids’ muddy shoes, ran the sweeper – my wife hates sweeping – and corralled the family each Sunday, piling them into our too-small car but arriving at church in time for Sunday School and then church. But now, I have one job in my home. I turn off the lights in empty rooms.

My life has changed, but my gratitude remains. I know why I am thankful. But it seems that Thanksgiving’s significance has diminished, overshadowed by Black Friday.

How It Used To Be

Growing up, I only had close family on my dad’s side. My aunt and nearly all my uncles lived on farms, and we often celebrated Thanksgiving at one of their homes. Most of the families would gather for the celebration.

This time was in the 1950s, so the women vied for space in the kitchen as they helped prepare the meal. The “men folk” stayed in the living room, retelling old stories from their childhoods and, quite rarely, a story from their military service in WWII. Mostly, we kids had to stay outside. The weather didn’t matter.

Their farms had old, small farmhouses; one only had an outhouse. Nothing was fancy, but there was a true sense of family. All the adults had survived the Great Depression, so thankfulness was baked into their lives. Their love and joy were palpable. I miss them. I miss our gatherings.

It’s My Holiday

Thanksgiving has always been my holiday. I know Christmas is the big one, and it feels like Halloween is a close second. All of our holidays have been either assimilated into the culture of consumerism or marginalized (e.g., Flag Day). I miss them all.

Now, we often celebrate Thanksgiving at buffet restaurants, but occasionally, we still gather at home. When Thanksgiving arrives, our kids will eat, the grandkids fuss, and then poof! They all are gone. The remains of Thanksgiving will be a carcass, green bean casserole, a tiny piece of pecan pie – I’m not a fan of pumpkin, and more dirty dishes than is humanly possible to cram into our dishwasher.

The One we should thank is not overlooked in our home. Thanksgiving is a time to express our thanks to God, acknowledging Him for His nature and deeds, particularly for the salvation offered through Jesus to all who ask.

The Thanksgiving Holiday Remains!

No one has successfully commercialized Thanksgiving, though a particular sports league has tried. It stands supreme among our holidays as it stubbornly remains on Thursday; there is no three-day weekend. Unlike all of the others, it always gets four. I like that.

Even after hearing the exhilarating tales of potential job promotions, forthcoming scholastic achievements for grandchildren, and spirited discussions of upcoming vacations, I’ve grown to cherish the quiet after the frenetic. I enjoy my warm coffee, the final slice of pie, sitting in my favorite chair, and basking in the afterglow within the tranquility of my home.

Within me, there is joy, the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit living in me, the joy that comes from life, the joy from the assurance of an eternal home with Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

True Joy

I find true joy in being the one who wanders through our home after everyone has gone to bed, quietly switching off the lights and watching God’s exquisite proclamation of His majesty in the stars that shine through my living room window.

Thanksgiving is a good holiday. It is my favorite. I hope you have a God-blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, joy, and true thankfulness to the one true God.

God Bless,
Gary