The American holiday is coming up this week. Is anyone surprised it’s nearly here? I am!

Pumpkin pie–a delicious finish to a Thanksgiving meal

I remember attending a wedding where the bride and groom were bursting with happiness and joy and I heard the pastor in his homily, remind them to give thanks. Why is he reminding them to give thanks? I wondered. He used the reference from Thessalonians: Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be.  The pastor went on to remind the happy couple, “you don’t know what’s around the next bend, so in advance, be prepared to give thanks. For this happy time, and the other times too. Even the troubling times.”

We all have times when we don’t feel thankful. But this is a reminder to us whatever the circumstances may be. 

I like what an English hymn writer, Christopher Wordsworth wrote in a hymn,

O Lord of heaven and earth and sea,

To Thee all praise and glory be!

How shall we show our love to Thee,

Who gives all?

I like the reminders in this stanza:

For peaceful homes and healthful days,

For all the blessings earth displays,

We owe Thee thankfulness and praise,

Who givest all. (Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-1885).

Oftentimes, I’ve heard the phrase “Turkey Day” when referring to Thanksgiving. I prefer  “Thanksgiving.” It isn’t the turkey, after all, it’s the attitude, and the thanks we give to God for our wonderful country. The brave Pilgrims who stepped out in faith and came to a new land.

I know from my own experience, not all days are happy days. Not always do we want to give thanks. But the apostle Paul reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances. It’s easy on the good and happy days–like Thanksgiving, weddings, a birth, but we are reminded in all circumstances to give thanks.

I’ll bet if you think about it, there’s lots of things to be thankful for. A warm house. That first cup of coffee in the morning. Waking up from a good night’s sleep. Or perhaps not a great night’s sleep, but morning! For good health. Family.Life itself. The list can go on and on….How about writing those things to be thankful for each morning?

Let’s start today!