A Few Pre-Thanksgiving Thoughts

The Maker of heaven and earth imbedded deep within the human psyche an innate suspicion that He is out there.

Beth Moore in Audacious

You may have to climb over mountains of Christmas gift promotions, plastic reindeer, and inflatable snowmen to see it, but Thanksgiving is on the horizon. A mere two weeks away, in fact.

I understand from my upcoming hosts that this year's Thanksgiving celebration will not involve the traditional dinner menu, which is just fine. Too much tryptophan-infused turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy tends to transform dinner guests into groaning, slightly bloated zombies. And watching Uncle Bob struggle to keep from nodding off into the whipped cream on his slab of pumpkin pie is a visual that no one will miss being subjected to.

But the announcement of veering from the traditional menu got me to thinking about how different today's holiday celebrations are than those our parents and grandparents enjoyed. What once were faith-focused opportunities for expressing gratitude, for dedicating at least a few solemn moments to pondering God's many gifts and savoring the wonder of our blessings, have slowly morphed into excuses for gluttony and other forms of self-indulgence. And I shudder to think how much profanity gets unleashed in frustration while watching the endless series of sporting events that consume the air waves throughout what George Washington referred to as a day for Americans to give their "sincere and humble thanks [to] that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.”

There is, of course, absolutely nothing wrong with shoveling in a few extra calories while enjoying a full menu of turkey with all the trimmings. Or watching a game together, while you let all that good stuff settle enough to make room for a piece of pecan or French silk pie. I'll be participating with gusto in the sharing of good food and laughter, in the bantering table talk, enormously grateful for being welcomed into an extended family gathering that I missed for years due to distance.

My only hope is that all who gather throughout this golden land of ours on November 28th might be mindful of the inspiration for the day. The phrase "giving thanks" has meaning. And our gratitude has an objective focus: a Giver of bounty in good times, comfort in not-so-good times, and peace of mind in all circumstances.

Let us not mute that "innate suspicion that He is out there" with the blaring voice of an announcer hyperventilating over a great touchdown pass, but rather dig down deep and let the hunger that arises from having "eternity set in our hearts" (Ecclesiastes) have full expression.

Our souls need feeding as well as our bodies. And what a perfect opportunity to be reminded of, and give thanks to, the Source of all that we require.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.