As we are blasted with images of Black Friday shopping from every media source, I invite you to spend this week instead reflecting on why we have this holiday to celebrate. It actually has nothing to do with shopping. What it is about, is remembering that those recent immigrants who were at risk of starvation were fed by the local people. We remember that those people who fled religious persecution to freedom in a new land, would not have lived another season if it had not been for the generosity of people who looked nothing like them. The indigenous tribes, provided for the stranger in their midst. This holiday was created to help us remember to be thankful for something as simple as having food to eat and someone who cared enough to share theirs.
We have distorted this day of thankfulness in so many ways. Most of us eat until we hurt and never even consider inviting someone not like us to the table. Packs of shoppers plan their strategy for acquiring even more things that they do not really need. And those who actually insist that we spend some time being thankful, are often ridiculed or complained to about how stupid it is.
I challenge you to invite some being thankful into your holiday. Say yes to helping out at a community meal. Donate from your abundance to help those who are hungry. Invite the widow, neighbor or immigrant to join at your table. Talk about what you are thankful for as a family. And offer a prayer to God giving thanks for all that you have. Your holiday will be a much richer experience with a lot less regret afterwards. And none of this will have to be paid for on a credit card bill for months after.
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