Thanksgiving = Thanksliving

I thought it best to say something about the 4th Thursday  of November before it arrives since I consider it  a day worth far more credit than it gets . We have all read about Pilgrims, Indians ( Squanto ) and the early celebrations . Today  I suppose a mention of Thanksgiving produces images of turkey and dressing , my personal favorite of pumpkin pie , maybe football and maybe even the dreaded feeling of being as stuffed as the ole turkey himself .

First a bit of history , courtesy of thehistorychannel.com . The ist Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 and includes some surprises . First those present:

1. Venison , seal and turkey among others
2. Cod and eel
3. Goose, duck and swan
4. Indian corn

Not present :

1. Pumpkin pie
2. Cranberry sauce
3. Corn on the cob

President Lincoln declared  a national day of thanks during the Civil War  but the day did not become an official holiday until  1941 . Now , alas its probably known best as the day before Black Friday , that most American of days, the biggest shopping day of the year ( and u can have it )

So can we reclaim it as a day of thanks , doubtful, and do we need to ? The Scriptures tell us the following in I Thessolonians 5:18

In everything give thanks , for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus .

Now that can put us in a bit of a quandry . Lord , what about ? Yes , my child . But you cant mean for  me to be thankful that I’m sick or mistreated or unemployed or 100 other things , can you ? Can He and does He ?

The key to me is a little word – in – . Perhaps some will me as oversimplifying and perhaps I am . I generally taught that way . Not give thanks for everything but continue  to give thanks no matter the circumstances .( contentment vs happiness ) He is there for us and with us no matter and for that we really can give thanks .

Happy Thanksgiving !!!!!!!

Shalom .