Thanksgiving isn't an entitlement.

Now-a-days, whenever I think of Thanksgiving, I always remember the worst Thanksgiving of my life! I don't remember the year exactly but the whole family was so sick. We all had some bug and were in different stages of dealing with it, but none of us was in the "healthy" stage. We barely had the energy to get out of bed, so no parties, no turkey no nothing but misery. Misery and resentment that our holiday had been lost.

The only thing we had, was a Turkey and Mashed Potatoes TV dinner. I don't know how long it had been in the freezer but we took it out, cut the little plastic off the meat and 6 minutes later, Voila...Thanksgiving!

I remember thinking that we were just going to have to celebrate our own personal Thanksgiving later, after we were all better. That didn't happen and I remember being sad about that and even feeling robbed.

What I forgot was that Thanksgiving isn't about the food or the parties or the date on a calendar. Thanksgiving is a state of mind. It is a decision to trust God and be content with whatever He brings into my life. Good or bad, my ultimate trust of Him allows me to accept with faith that whatever He brings into my life will ultimately be the best. In fact that's scriptural:

Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Thanksgiving is a privilege, not an entitlement.

I let my selfish desires and expectations for the holiday rob me of the whole point. The opportunity to pause,... reflect,.... appreciate,.... and express our deepest gratitude to The One from Whom all good things come.

I hope everyone takes some time to do that this year. It is a most appropriate way to begin the holiday season!

Peace, Love and Deep Thankfulness,

Rich