Thanksgiving

The retail world is hurtling us towards Christmas.  Decorations, ads, and merchandise all reminds us that Christmas will "soon" be here.  Yesterday, a clerk wished me a "Merry Christmas"... and I absentmindedly responded "Merry Christmas to you, too" as I collected my bags.  But just as I was about ready to turn and leave, I turned back.  "Happy Thanksgiving before Merry Christmas!" I reminded both her and me (even though the snow outside is indeed making it so "it's beginning to look alot like Christmas").

Why is it important to have a "Happy Thanksgiving" before sprinting into Christmas?  For me, it has to do with my soul.  "Happy Thanksgiving" for me does not equate to "Happy Turkey Day."  While it's good to gather with family (and good to eat wonderful food!) the point, to me, of THANKSgiving, should be to give thanks to the Giver of all good gifts.  

When we run into the Christmas season without giving thanks, then it simply becomes about what we will buy, get, give.  It becomes about getting more and giving more.  No wonder everyone in the stores seems so crabby!

But... if we truly pause and thank God for all He's given --- family, friends, warm clothes & shelter, paying jobs, enough food, life with purpose, the beauty of nature, love & joy --- I could keep going, but you get the picture... if we truly stop and think about all we have (not all we want)... then Christmas can resume it's correct place.  A celebration of God's great love and mercy, coming down on a rescue mission to earth in the form of a helpless baby.  And Thanksgiving can become a "happy" event as gratefulness floods the soul.

So today, I wish you all a....
Happy Thanksgiving!