Every November our congregation hosts a traditional Thanksgiving meal for international students and families living in Bloomington. We Americans often forget that this cherished holiday is unique to our country and those who visit our shores want to share in the turkey, dressing, cranberry and pumpkin pie experience. Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.
While the traditional Thanksgiving spread is wonderful, I want our guests to know there is so much more to this holiday than just food. Tom Olson, writing in Now magazine, related that as the Pilgrims discussed their hardships in the new land one of their number suggested they set aside a special day for fasting and prayer. Most agreed. One man, however, did not. It was his conviction that they had spent too much time seeing their situation as a problem not a blessing. The land was abundant and best of all they had found freedom. It was time for thanksgiving not regret – the rest, of course, is history.
As you gather with family and friends this week make sure your celebration is about more than what you see on the table. God has blessed us with abundance and spiritual freedom – it is a time for Thanksgiving!