Why do we have Thanksgiving Day each year? You know all too well about the Pilgrims and their encounter with the Native Americans, so I won’t chronicle the historical narrative and traditions. (Of course, the historical significance of Thanksgiving Day should not be dismissed or ignored!) Instead, I'll give you my personal take on why we need Thanksgiving Day or the season of giving thanks.
"Thank You Lord for...." is a common prayer starter, and we add to it a long list of things that come to mind: food, clothing, shelter, weather, friends, mom, dad, children, etc. That’s all good. The Bible, in fact, commands us to thank God for everything and always. So, it's important and necessary to express gratitude toward God daily. Yet, over time, such expressions can become sterile, superficial, trite, and repetitive if the heart isn’t in them. And, without sincerity, words are meaningless. So, should we as people of God continue to lift meaningless, heartless, lip-service prayers?
Let’s think about hollow words. Have you ever seen a child ‘try’ to apologize? The child may say sorry, but the expression is a mere formality, a bare minimum to satisfy the demand or diffuse the threat of further punishment. There is no contribution or remorse! No heart is in his/her words. Is that really an apology? You know the answer.
How about teaching a teenager to “have manners” by saying thank you, or sorry, or excuse me? I work with teens daily and often tell them that good manners are necessary for making positive impressions and developing good relationships. But, alas, often it takes many years for some teens to develop basic manners. And, sadly, many do not have the heart behind their mannerism. So, words or actions without heart are hollow, empty, and hypocritical. And our “Thank You, God…” prayers have become something of that sort, I'm afraid: a formality, a ritual, a mantra, a requirement, an act—without sincerity of the heart. One reason for that is the hustle and bustle of life. We’re just too busy! We do not pause to reflect or step back to see the big picture. Given that the word thank comes from the word think, we cannot give heartfelt thanks without thinking deeply first. We have to break the cycle of mundane and thoughtless repetition by setting aside time to think, which is the foundation of genuine gratitude.
During the week of Thanksgiving, I often take a long walk. No cellphones, no earbuds, and no distractions. Just me, myself, and I, talking to God and pouring my heart out to Him. Over the years, this personal time with God has become a tradition for me, and I look forward to it every year. Perhaps you have your own tradition, your own time set aside dedicated to the Lord?
We need Thanksgiving Day and the season to think and to give thanks. We need to slow down, pause, think, and sincerely thank God by counting our blessings. As an aside, let's remember that the hand of God is present in various events, encounters, and even in trials.
As you reflect, consider, and meditate on God's presence and providence in your life, I pray that your heart will be filled with gratitude. Lift your heartfelt prayers to Him as an act of worship and adoration. He will refresh, energize, and empower you in response. We need that extra push to get us through the hectic month of December!
Have a wonderful season of reflection and introspection, everyone!
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