Incomplete Thanksgiving

   While looking online for a good picture for this Thanksgiving article, I was disappointed.  I was looking for one of a family gathered around the table giving thanks to God in prayer.  The vast majority of the pictures online had nothing to do with that.  That spoke volumes about what’s happened to Thanksgiving in our society.

   Without thanks to God, Thanksgiving is incomplete.  We’re careful about the table setting, the food and drink, the “mood”.  But where’s the mood of thankfulness to God?  Have we become ashamed of God?  Are we so afraid we’ll ”offend” that we can’t even thank God on Thanksgiving?

   Does God care about the table setting, the food and drink, the decorations, and lighting?  Yes, because He cares about where our hearts are at.  He cares about whether we care about others.  But He also cares about whether we care about Him.  Are we at all thankful for Him?  Will we even take one little moment to give credit where credit is due?

   Maybe, like so many families today, your family is broken.  Maybe you don’t have a nice home.  Maybe you’re alone.  Maybe you can’t put forward the best table setting, food, drink, decorations, or lighting.  Maybe you’re invited to another home or location.  The situation is different for each of us.  The traditions are different for each of us.  But while those traditions might be important, they aren’t what’s most important at Thanksgiving, unless they involve thanksgiving—thanking God.

   Your prayer of thanks to God need not be eloquent.  It need not be long—in fact, it’s better if it’s not.  It just needs to be there and be from your heart.  If you’re the head of household, take the lead.  Maybe ask if anyone else would like to add to your thanks to God.

   If you’re not the head, privately ask ahead of time if you might share a quick prayer of thanks to God before the meal.  If they object, pray silently to God from your heart your prayer of thanks.  God will hear it.  (And don’t forget to thank your hosts.)  Then the most important part of your Thanksgiving will be complete.  God loves you!  And May God Bless You!