Thanksgiving

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word, "thanksgiving." I am chagrined to admit, that "turkey" pops right up. And not just the word, but a visual image of a finely roasted bird, with stuffing, gravy and all the trimmings.

Why the chagrin? Because I learned from children's book we borrowed from the library that the Pilgrims whom we traditionally associate with celebrating the first Thanksgiving (as we imagine it), actually referred to thanksgiving as a day they set apart to thank God for their blessings. What a concept!

Not that I don't think God appreciates a turkey cooked to perfection...after all, He created the concept. He even included a fellowship offering as an acceptable sacrifice to Him among the ancient Isrealites, and of this type of offering, ceremonially clean Isrealites were expected to partake. However, I have an inkling that keeping our minds more on Him and less on our stomachs is more in keeping with His idea of thanksgiving.

I'm not sure how this concept of thanksgiving with change my outlook on that day. I think it needs to marinate in my mind a little more. But I am curious as to your reactions. Is this a new concept for you? If not, how have you kept Thanksgiving Day sacred to the Lord? If it is new, do you think it will change how you approach "Turkey Day?" Please post your thoughts in the comments section to this post.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 110:4 NIV)