Like a lot of families, mine has a bit of a ritual where each one around the table is asked to name something for which they are most thankful in the past year. We all know this time is coming and yet few of us prepare. The responses usually are about relationships or the most recent positive event. Pausing to think about, name and claim what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving is always a good thing to do.
Thanksgiving is also a good time to take the time to pause and put some things into perspective. I’m feeling very fortunate that I don’t have to go to work on Thanksgiving or the day after. I can’t imagine how the folks feel who have to get to work either after Thanksgiving dinner or early the morning after. And although I’m usually not a part of the Black Friday shopping crowd, I think about it. This makes me wonder about all the different people that I take for granted who make my life a little more convenient, handy, and safe. If I do go out the day after Thanksgiving, I usually thank the clerk or the server or whomever else I have a chance to thank for working.
This year my family is fortunate that we do not have anyone experiencing any crisis in their life. Most of us know someone for whom this is the first Thanksgiving after a divorce or the first Thanksgiving since someone we love was diagnosed with cancer or maybe the first Thanksgiving when someone will not be at the table with us. This causes me to say a prayer for all those people and families for whom this time when we give thanks is also a time to grieve. I pray that these gatherings that may seem bittersweet can also be times of healing, hope and mark a time from which to move forward.
In these times perspective is important. In times when so much is out there that can polarize us, it’s so important to recognize that there are also so many things that will bring us together. I read today about a restaurant in Israel that is giving a 50% discount on food to people who sit together; one of them has to be a Jew the other an Arab. The owner said, “If there’s anything that can bring together these peoples, it’s hummus. “ Here is hoping that turkey or whatever you’re having for Thanksgiving can do the same for all the world.
Keep the Faith,
Pastor Dan
Thanksgiving is also a good time to take the time to pause and put some things into perspective. I’m feeling very fortunate that I don’t have to go to work on Thanksgiving or the day after. I can’t imagine how the folks feel who have to get to work either after Thanksgiving dinner or early the morning after. And although I’m usually not a part of the Black Friday shopping crowd, I think about it. This makes me wonder about all the different people that I take for granted who make my life a little more convenient, handy, and safe. If I do go out the day after Thanksgiving, I usually thank the clerk or the server or whomever else I have a chance to thank for working.
This year my family is fortunate that we do not have anyone experiencing any crisis in their life. Most of us know someone for whom this is the first Thanksgiving after a divorce or the first Thanksgiving since someone we love was diagnosed with cancer or maybe the first Thanksgiving when someone will not be at the table with us. This causes me to say a prayer for all those people and families for whom this time when we give thanks is also a time to grieve. I pray that these gatherings that may seem bittersweet can also be times of healing, hope and mark a time from which to move forward.
In these times perspective is important. In times when so much is out there that can polarize us, it’s so important to recognize that there are also so many things that will bring us together. I read today about a restaurant in Israel that is giving a 50% discount on food to people who sit together; one of them has to be a Jew the other an Arab. The owner said, “If there’s anything that can bring together these peoples, it’s hummus. “ Here is hoping that turkey or whatever you’re having for Thanksgiving can do the same for all the world.
Keep the Faith,
Pastor Dan
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