You really can’t stop them. They’re bound to happen. I’m talking about those autumnal feelings that arise as we enter into a season of holiday celebrations. Yet it seems with the busyness of our lives we tend to be caught blindsided every time those feelings come our way.
It’s an understandable problem, especially considering the significance of the day that kicks it all off — Thanksgiving Day. The holiday season is officially inaugurated each year by this wonderful day of celebration. And the importance of this day goes far deeper than we usually realize as we finish our meal and sit staring at a football game in a tryptophan-induced stupor. The long and short of it is everything seems to battle against us being thankful people.
There had been celebrations of “Thanksgiving” at a number of times from the founding of our Nation. But it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln officially declared a day each November as a time for all Americans to stop and give thanks to “the Almighty God.” “Almighty God?” That’s not exactly politically correct. But since when should thankfulness bow to the altar of political correctness?
The fact is that the very design of Thanksgiving Day was to recognize that we receive blessings from an Almighty God. And, as we look at historical references to Thanksgiving they all cite God as the one to whom our thanks should be directed. But again that can become difficult in the midst of our everyday lives. When we live in a time where our economy is in turmoil, November elections may or may not produce our desired results, stress levels are at an all-time high, how can we be thankful? As human beings our nature is to focus on the negative — we’ll blame God far quicker than we’ll thank Him!
The answer is to be specifically thankful — for good things that come our way, as well as generally thankful — recognizing that even in difficult times we are still a blessed people. The liberty we experience in our Nation, the conveniences we encounter each day, the peace available for us to enjoy are all things for which we can give thanks to the “Almighty God.” In fact, a lifestyle of thankfulness will combat the stress that comes our way. Studies are now showing that people who are thankful cope better with the daily difficulties of life.
So this year approach Thanksgiving Day with expectation of a season that will afford you great opportunity to see the many blessings God has placed in your life. And live with the willingness to celebrate even in the midst of those things that may be temporary setbacks. By doing this you will enjoy a healthier holiday season and have your eyes open to see blessings as they come your way.
For more information, please call 661-291-6000 or visit www.tcotwsc.org .