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What Does Thanksgiving Mean
to You?
For pilgrims in a
new world, thanksgiving was a time to celebrate one more year of harvest in the
face of starvation.
For a new country it was the celebration of freedom
from the "tyranny of over seas domination."
For a country in the midst
of a civil war it was appreciation for those lives not lost and for a country
that would eventually heal the wounds of regionalism.
But for the person truly centered on God and His Son --
it is gratitude for every good gift we have been given. It is gratitude for good
gifts bestowed on us today and in the future world to come.
Enter into God's gates with thanksgiving
(Psalms 100:4).
What does thanksgiving mean to you?
BULLETIN
DIGEST
Larry Fitzgerald Cisco,
Texas
Thanksgiving
This is Thanksgiving week, a time for celebration,
reunion, and gratitude. Thanksgiving is not seasonal business, but we do well
to be reminded annually of its importance. Here's why:
Thanksgiving is admission that though life is often hard and unfair there is
occasion for genuine joy and happiness.
Thanksgiving is recognition that the gifts we hold in our hands and heart are
not solely the results of our own efforts. We are indebted to others and
ultimately to God for vast contributions to our well' being.
Thanksgiving is a reminder that no life is a solo flight. We gather with and/or
think of all those who have made our journey worthwhile.
Thanksgiving is confession of those times of ingratitude which have distanced us
from the mighty God. It provides opportunity for worship and reconciliation.
BULLETIN
DIGEST Spencer
Furby via Kennett, Missouri
THANKSGIVING'S OVER
Just one week ago, we were all getting ready
To go home and visit Grandmom and Granddaddy.
We thought of the turkey. We thought of the cake,
And all of the casseroles that we would bake.
We hardly contained all the anticipation
As the holiday fervor took hold of our nation.
When Wednesday arrived we poured into the streets
As we headed for family and Thanksgiving eats.
On Thursday we thought that we'd surely sleep late,
But the smell of things cooking proved a good enough bait
To lure us from bed and on out to the den,
Where we talked about how we sure meant to sleep in.
The crowd in the kitchen was buzzing like bees
While the men in the den did whatever they pleased.
The talking and laughing and jokes that were made
All drowned out the sound of the Macy's parade.
And it all kept right on until Mom gave the word
That dinner was ready and she brought out the bird.
The turkey was golden, surrounded by dressing.
We all bowed our heads as we asked the Lord's blessing,
And Granddaddy worded a beautiful prayer.
Oh, how it warmed your heart to be there.
But Thanksgiving's over. The turkey is eaten.
The football game's ended, and my team was beaten.
The afternoon nap that we took on the floor
And that feeling of, "No, thanks, I can't eat any more,"
And the quiet drive home with the kids all asleep,
Are just things of the past... the fond memories we'll keep.
But Thanksgiving's over. No, wait! That can't be.
How could I forget how good God's been to me?
And how could I fit into so hectic a day
All of the words that my heart wants to say
To a God who has loved me and given me all
Of the good things in life... both the great and the small?
When I think of my family, my kids, and my wife,
Thanksgiving's no holiday. Thanksgiving's my life.
Give thanks unto the Lord... and don't wait 'til next year to do it.
--Stephen Seibert
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