Thanksgiving Reflections

Today, in the United States, is the American holiday known as Thanksgiving. It marks a remembrance of those early Pilgrim Fathers who crossed the uncharted ocean from Europe to make a new start in the New World. In their first winter of their new home the Pilgrims lost 46 of the original 102 colonists. All would have been lost had it not been for the generosity and kindness of the Native American Indians who helped them survive and subsequently thrive. As some of you know Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a time of reflection and personal reprieve from our otherwise hectic times. How caught up are we looking for that next big "WoW" moment thinking it will make us happy. This day allows us to "center" ourselves and realize that it is not just the big moments but the "little wonders" that through His mercy he has granted us.

In the midst of a war, terrorism, tremendous economic uncertainty and internal strife, we should take a moment today and give thanks and acknowledge “the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor”. It is very easy to get caught up in the “negative” of our times and over look “these little wonders” that God has blessed us with. We should remember that:

“Our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain”

God has given us these “gifts” and “We should reflect on the full meaning of this day”…and remember all his “wonders’ both big and small…”as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done.

So take a moment and give thanks and take some time to give back to your community. Volunteer at a food bank, homeless shelter, or an animal shelter. Remember that part of being blessed is blessing others.

Happy Thanksgiving!



Exerts from past Presidential Proclamations (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln), "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas