Thanksgiving

I was reading the newspaper this morning (yes, I actually still read a newspaper - you know - one with words printed in ink on actual paper!) when I realized that what some are saying is true. This is a forgotten Holiday. Instead of seeing pictures of people helping the homeless and reading stories of families sharing time together, I read stories about the economy and the mad dash of shoppers into the local Target to save a buck. Yes, I am fully aware that the economy is in the tank and people are struggling (remember, I do read the newspaper). I know that saving a buck is important. It's important to me and to most people. But what is this holiday about? Well, since all I hear are stories about 3am shoppers, I thought I'd share my feelings on this holiday.

I have very fond memories of this holiday. When I was growing up it was a day that we shared with family. It was one of three days a year that my dad would actually close his business. We often rotated between sides of the family as many do. One year it would be on my dad's side of the family and the next on my mom's. My dad's side of the family was large with many aunt's, uncle's and cousins. There was laughter and food and my Aunt Marge trying to boss everyone  around (no one listened to her) and football games all day, turkey and pumpkin pie. I remember that my mom would always remember my Uncle Nick who had diabetes and make him his own sugar free pumpkin pie. It was something he appreciated and looked forward to having. On my mom's side of the family, it was a small gathering. There was my mom and dad, my brother Tim, myself, my Grandpa Joe and my Grandma Gaye. And just like my dad's family there was laughter and football, and enough food to feed an army - homemade manacoti, turkey, ham, dressing and sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and cookies and just plain good times. Good memories of times shared with family.

Today this thanksgiving holiday is even more important to me. We still share it with friends and family. There's still pumpkin pie, turkey, dressing and even some football although nowdays I've gotten out of the habit of watching sports. There's laughter and good times. I think as I've gotten older its become more important to share this time with the people I love, to remember how good God has been to us and how blessed we are. Our families have dwindled so its become more important to share time and love with those you love. It's so important in these tough times to remember to be thankful.

So, when your out among the throngs of shoppers and feeling stressed about what your going to buy for your aging aunt that you haven't spoken to in 22 years but is now showing up for Christmas, take a moment, grab a cup of coffee or tea sit back and think about what your thankful for. Jump out of the stream of life for a moment and remember all those good times past and wonderful moments of the present. Remember that thanksgiving started as a time of worship and giving.

Happy Thanksgiving!