Claire and I are becoming more serious and intentional every year in recapturing the spirit of Thanksgiving Day that we enjoyed (and were inspired by) when we were kids. For since those days, the importance of that holiday has been overwhelmed by many forces -- an intolerant secularism that disdains religious expression, Americans being increasingly ignorant and indifferent to their nation's history, the innumerable distractions arising from the commercialization of Halloween and Christmas, the dwindling devotion to family fellowship, and dare I say it, the overall indifference to the critical virtue of gratitude.
At any rate, this Thanksgiving season has been a particular blessing to us thus far.
1) Actually using the Mayflower Compact as the springboard for a sermon at Herman Community Church.
2) Having a wonderful time reading Thanksgiving-oriented stories and essays but also a new discovery that we are taking great delight in,
Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience by Melanie Kirkpatrick.
3) Preparing for Vital Signs Blog (and the VSM website) a 27-page Thanksgiving Present of poems quotations, presidential proclamations, and more which is available for your encouragement and pleasure.
4) Recording a brief video for our YouTube channel about the American Christians' spiritual forefathers, the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims.
5) Enjoying the hospitality of friends who have invited us to a Thanksgiving feast (a little bit after the Day itself).
6) Having the honor of entertaining 7 dinner guests ourselves featuring the
traditional menu fare on Thanksgiving Day.
And 7) Officially kicking off the Christmas season with our longstanding tradition of watching Miracle on 34th Street on the night of Thanksgiving Day.
So, Happy Thanksgiving Day -- and Season -- to you all!
