The students have returned from their annual “turkey break.” Many spent their break celebrating with their families and eating home-cooked food. Students took time to do things they enjoy; coloring, reading, sleeping and spending time with their pets. But hopefully, they came back to school with a deeper appreciation of what God has given them this year.
Each year on the third Thursday of November we take a day to prepare and devour a delicious meal, spend time with family, and hopefully give thanks for all our blessings. In elementary school, our teachers told us the story of the “First Thanksgiving.” You remember the story of the pilgrims eating with the Indians, just after the harvest. Happily, they sat together and shared a meal, and reminisced on their new-found friendship. Only recently I learned that the first national Thanksgiving was instituted by President Abraham Lincoln.
But why do we confine giving thanks to just one day? Research has shown that people who express gratitude on a daily basis sleep better, are smarter, have better relationships and self-esteem. Thankfulness also decreases materialism, which is a big problem, especially in the United States. Once we become content with what we have, we can appreciate more the blessings we receive. These points are the reason it is imperative to express gratitude on a daily basis.
The Bible reveals a timeless truth “All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” Every trial and every triumph is a gift of God. In our trials, He brings us closer to Him and in our triumphs, He shares his love with us. Each day God’s mercies are new, He has a special gift for us. Let us not forget to show God our gratefulness for his blessings. In doing so we keep the spirit of Thanksgiving with us all year-round.