Have we forgotten the spirit of giving thanks? Starting October the 1st, long before Halloween (and it seems to get earlier every year), we begin to prepare for the Christmas holiday. The great commercialism machine kicks into high gear advertising all of the greatest gifts that everyone just must have for Christmas, convincing us that having those things will make us happy. The turkey is pictured and advertised, but the emphasis falls into the joy of the long weekend instead of remembering the reason for the holiday itself. And I am as guilty as the next person at looking forward to those “Black Friday” super-duper sales (although I have seldom actually ventured into that store madness)! Of course, I do wonder why the market can support those “more affordable to everyone prices” only on Black Friday. Wouldn’t life be better for everyone if those with limited resources could afford to purchase as much as those with more resources all year long? In the midst of all of this, we seem to lose track of Thanksgiving.
Most of us probably sit down and eat a meal together, praying just a little harder, but I believe there is a rather universal sightlessness that has consumed our nation. We have lost sight of the importance of taking time in each day to be intentionally thankful for the gift of life in community with others. It does not have to be a specific day, or a Thursday in the middle of the week, or be filled with more tasty foods that any of us should probably eat. Thanksgiving was first celebrated between the indigenous people of this country and the immigrants from others. Those who lived here had adapted to the land, learned to grow the food that worked, and wisely hunted game for meat as needed. These were willing to generously share with others who had brought crops with them not suited for this land and had come woefully unprepared for the differences in climate, but mostly faithful enough to want to freedoms from dictators and to trust that God would provide in a different place. (I recall that Moses led some people just like that!) And so, with Thanksgiving coming next month, let’s start right on Halloween by remembering and thanking God for all of the saints who have come and gone. They were our gifts from God who heard the Spirit flowing through this country. They chose to live the Great Commandment, caring and nurturing each of us as the way to glorify God and the church Christ built.
Beginning November 1st, I challenge you to look at our history and pray for the future. Our world is torn apart by torture and war, starvation and chaos. We do not really understand these wars and, no doubt, many of you are like me, feeling rather helpless to do what we might want to do to help. Prayer works! Each day, will you sit down and thank God and one another for the gift of community love and sharing. No matter how much has gone wrong in your life plan this year, no matter how difficult or lean times have been, will you take the extra time to name and pray for what you really need and to celebrate the fact that you have made it through hard times and can still sit, hold hands, and dine together as our ancestors did?
Peace and grace,
Pastor Christine Burns
Mount Gilead First Presbyterian 