Thanksgiving, Giving Thanks

Dear Friends in Christ,

Growing up in Africa I do not remember celebrating Thanksgiving Day. I do remember celebrating the Harvest. Before the altar would be baskets of fruit, vegetables, breads, and other canned food items.

They would be blessed and then distributed to the food pantry. It was as simple as that. No turkey with mash potato, stuffing, and green bean casserole. Nope, that was Christmas dinner together with ham.

Thanksgiving Day was a new tradition that I have adopted by visiting friends who were important in my life then. An abundance of food, the smells wafting from the oven with Aunt Betty hovering over the turkey in the oven. Uncle Bill jovially inviting everyone to settle in for a feast with this or that libation of choice. The kids (if there were any) sitting off at the card table in the middle of the living room as that was the next biggest space.

Now I celebrate Thanksgiving Day with another family, my family that in recent years has grown to include young ones. I find myself looking forward to it. There’s a sense of peace and belonging now that I have not felt before. For whatever reason, it’s different now. This is a family I can call my own. For all the blessings that God has given us, let us thank the Lord. I am grateful. God designed us to embrace gratitude all year round, not just during Thanksgiving. When we actively give thanks and praise, we deepen our joy and continually remember God’s goodness.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on these blessings and appreciate all that we have. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or finding a quiet moment alone, say a prayer of thanks and/or name those blessings, both will help you connect with your faith and enrich your holiday.

May your Thanksgiving be a blessed day!

Blessings,

Anne+