One week from today is “Black Friday”. Even before the turkey has digested in our bellies, the shopping frenzy begun.
Historically, “Thanksgiving was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the lost of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance.” (http://www.allabouthistory.org/meaning-of-thanksgiving.htm)
Wikipedia says, “Thanksgiving has traditionally been a celebration of the blessings of the (agricultural) year, including the harvest.”
Now, it’s Football games, eating, and spending.
What’s going on with America? Have we lost the significance of giving thanks? Seems that way, doesn’t it? And the questions more real when your six year old child studying Thanksgiving in school, and has this to ask:
“Mommy, why are all the stores decorated in Christmas when Thanksgiving is not even here yet?”
Yes, a tiny voice of reason. I nod in understanding. I’ve asked that question myself many times. Why?
“Well,” I clear my throat, “because the stores are about selling, not celebrating how thankful we should be at this time, and every time.”
Folding her arms across her chest, my daughter hesitates before answering, letting what I just told her sink in. She finally whispers, “That’s not good.”
Exactly.
My heart fills with an aching knowing that my child’s pureness is slowly getting doses of the reality in which we live in. I quickly crouch down and give her a hug.
She releases, standing tall, and responds, “We won’t forget Thanksgiving, right?”
I caress her face and smile. “No, we won’t ever forget.”
Hope dances in her chestnut eyes. I pray that this one valuable nugget of tradition will stay strong in her life for generations to come.
I hear a voice in my ears, “Good job. You have pleased the Father.”
And folks, that’s all I ever want to do.
