Thanksgiving—Let Us Give Thanks!

Thanksgiving: Let Us Give Thanks!

We've all learned about the "First Thanksgiving" in school between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans at Plymouth. A meal was shared between neighbors, offering thanks to God for the bountiful harvest. Today, as a national holiday, Thanksgiving draws upon its religious origins as a day to celebrate with friends and family, giving thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed and the sacrifices that have been made throughout the year to make the holiday special. It is a day on our nation's calendar that is not secular by any means, but rather filled with remembering to offer thanks and praise to the Lord for his bounty and blessings.

This year, my family began the "Turkey on the Table Activity." All throughout the month of November, my family has been adding a feather to our centerpiece turkey with what we are each thankful for written upon it. We were given this activity as a gift, and the purchase of it goes to the program, "Feeding America." Not only has this activity helped my children see all the things they can be thankful for, but it has also helped us talk about helping to feed the hungry—which is a Corporal Work of Mercy.

Another activity you and your family can do to show your thankfulness/gratitude, is a modified "Turkey on the Table Activity." First, you can draw a turkey without feathers or a tree without leaves on a large piece of paper. You can then hang the piece of paper with your drawing on a door or wall. As a family, add paper feathers or paper leaves to you turkey or tree with what you are thankful for written upon them. Your family can then purchase food for Thanksgiving baskets, a local soup kitchen, or another charity to help feed the hungry. Helping your children see the value of feeding those in need will help them see the human dignity of all people; and helping them list what they are thankful for, is also a great opportunity to talk about what are truly the important things in life: Being thankful for the gift of life, the gift of freedom, the blessings of breathing fresh air and drinking clean water...There are so many things to be thankful for! What are you and your family thankful for?

As you and your family prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I leave you with this prayer:

We Give You Thanks

To you, oh Lord, we offer thanks, a prayer of gratitude.

Hearts filled with joy, with love,

And thanks, for the blessings we know come from you.

Never leave us, be at our sides, and celebrate with us.

Keep our family close, within your heart, please fill us with your grace,

So that we may share your blessings, Lord, with those within this time and place.

Amen.

My you and your family have a truly blessed Thanksgiving!

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