Why Not to Overlook Thanksgiving

The holidays are upon us, and with them, so many beautiful opportunities to cultivate meaningful memories. As we all grow with the excitement of Christmas and all that it holds, we must be conscious not to miss out on the splendor of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not a speed bump to Christmas after Halloween; it is a reminder and invitation to us all to come to the table with grateful hearts and to live in the present.

Thanksgiving’s Roots

The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621. The Pilgrims were a group of Christians known as “Separatists” who sought freedom from religious persecution in Europe. They were originally citizens of England, but because they did not wish to conform to the Church of England, they sought refuge in Holland in the Netherlands. In 1620, the entire group of Separatists boarded the Mayflower and set sail for America. Life in what is now modern-day New England would prove challenging for the group as disease, hunger, and other issues emerged. Over half of the Pilgrims had perished during the first Spring in the New World. As they sought to attempt to build a life onshore (many had remained living on the ship as a refuge), they were astonished when they were greeted by an English-speaking Native American of the Abenaki tribe. A few days later, he returned with a friend, Squanto, to help teach the Pilgrims how to grow crops, identify harmful plants, fish, and cultivate a life in their new home. Later, they would also form an alliance with the Wampanoag tribe. As a result of the kindness, teaching, and assistance of the Native Americans, the Pilgrims would find in the Autumn of 1621 an abundant harvest of corn. The very first Thanksgiving was held between the two peoples as a joyous celebration of the harvest and the friendship that had been fostered.

Grateful Hearts

In our modern celebration of Thanksgiving, we have the opportunity to come to the table amongst our friends, family, and brethren with grateful hearts, recognizing the abundance of the past year. Just as the Pilgrims and the Native Americans understood the importance of celebrating the good, so can we. In John 10:10, we are reminded that Christ came to give us life and life abundantly in the Christian walk. An abundant life is not always easy or without struggle, but it is full. The Pilgrims could have focused on all that had been lost, how difficult living in a new place was, or all that they mourned, but instead, they focused on the positive. This did not mean that what had been lost was forgotten or overlooked; there was a deep sense of gratitude for what they had endured, what they had cultivated in the way of their relationship with the Native Americans, and what they could praise God for after struggles. We, too, can take on this heart posture and enter into the holiday with genuine thanksgiving to God for all He has brought us through and given us this past year.

Meaningful Memories

Thanksgiving is also a place to make meaningful memories. Whether those memories are a new tradition, a new dish to share, or new friends to invite to the harvest table, there is much to be woven into the Thanksgiving tapestry. Consider what has stood out to you in the past as something wonderful you could bring back or alter to share with those you plan to spend the holiday with. You may recall a recipe, an activity, or a game that meant something to you as a child, and you can reintroduce it to an entirely new generation. Thanksgiving also gives us the opportunity to reset with a new way of doing things so that perhaps holidays that were once hard to celebrate can now have a new, redefined meaning. What memories will you foster this year that will become cherished ones later?

Living in the Present with Intention

In this season, we also have the gift to remain present. As much as we love Christmas and all that it brings with it, we cheat ourselves of so much when we consider Thanksgiving a pit stop on the way to Christmas. We can live with intention by taking a nod from the Pilgrims and the Native Americans in inviting those who do not look like us, have the same traditions, or come from the same place to the table to share in a meal. We can stand encouraged by their choice to bring forward the harvest of what the year has yielded. This could be in the way of bringing tangible wealth, summer garden fruits canned and stashed, or lessons learned offered through deep conversation. Ask yourself and ask God to bring to mind ideas or ways to share with those around you what God has done in and with you this year. You never know who you might encourage and how that can be a seed planted in another’s heart and life. Living in a present-minded place can also remind you that life is something to be lived, not skipped, and living presently resets the urge to gloss over the glory of all that is now. Embrace the present and see how it shifts your future for the good, for you will never get these days again.

Thank God for His Goodness

This is also a time when we can come before the Lord with quiet hearts and thank Him for His faithfulness. This does not need to be done in such a way as to show on social media, but in quiet meditation through prayer before Him in your prayer closet or secret place. Sit with God and thank Him for getting you through the hard times, giving you strength when you needed it most, and bringing blessings to you. God’s favor comes in so many different ways, so take even just an hour to thank Him for all He has done in your heart, your life, and the past year. We can never thank Him too much, and this holiday reminds us that all praise is due to Him alone.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time for us to embrace, enjoy, and, with great excitement, recognize all that has been lived this year. God has walked you through difficulties, you have endured so much, and the air in your lungs is something to celebrate to the full. Authentically consider all that this year has brought you and offer it through conversation with those around you at the dinner table or beyond. Consider how you can make this year one that is blessed to remember and how it can be used to set a new precedence in not living through these months just to get to Christmas and New Year’s, but something to experience in all that it has to offer.

Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com