Eating Too Much May Not Be the Biggest Problem This Thanksgiving!

 This Thanksgiving is Worrying Some Journalists

How we will get through Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends who did not elect our candidates is a bigger worry to some journalists than our eating to much! The first time I heard this, I thought it was a spoof. However, by the third or fourth time, I heard reporters interviewing themselves how to avoid trouble, I got to thinking about some Thanksgiving dinners from my past . . . most are just a blur I guess from food comas.

Other dinners, the conversations could flare, but not Thanksgiving. I don’t remember ever being told to be on my best behavior, but I knew I had to behave myself. For some reason, Thanksgiving was one gathering that was different from other meals – early on, I could see it was expensive, time consuming to prepare and serve, and a bear to clean up after.

As I have read about the history of this American holiday, I wonder if the fact that God was supposed to be at its core somehow made our families mind their P’s & Q’s at this meal?

We didn’t spend much time thanking God – or those who prepared our meal, but I knew thankfulness was the theme. Not that I understood its meaning, or even the holiday’s history – I just knew that for this one dinner I was a small part of a bigger party, even when I was the hostess.

Could part of the fear some Americans are feeling about Thanksgiving dinner be the bitter harvest of believing no Power greater than ourselves is at work in our world?

Just taking a breath, and remembering what we Americans have come through, together, — a Revolution, a Civil War, and two World Wars — as this holiday took root in our history might help our conversations around our dinner tables.

Remembering, too, the cost so many still bear so we can eat a meal in peace might help our words.

From George Washington down to Mr. Obama, our Presidents directed our attention to thank each other and God for the goodness we enjoy. Maybe it’s time to reread what they wrote and said? (The Presidents on Thanksgiving)

On Thanksgiving Day, individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate this most American tradition, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country. Let us spend this day by lifting up those we love, mindful of the grace bestowed upon us by God and by all who have made our lives richer with their presence. (Presidential Proclamation 2012)

Cue Bing Crosby! Happy Thanksgiving dear ones!

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~ Hebrews 13:8