Ah, Thanksgiving. A holiday so rich with tradition, it practically smells like pumpkin pie and roasted turkey. It’s that one day a year where we all come together—not to argue about politics (though Uncle Bob always tries), but to remember what matters most: faith, family, and the simple blessings of life. In our fast-paced, social media-obsessed culture, Thanksgiving feels like a breath of fresh, crisp autumn air—a chance to press pause and give thanks to God for His unending provision.

The Roots of Thanksgiving

Let’s not forget where this holiday comes from. The Pilgrims, who landed at Plymouth in 1620, weren’t celebrating a good harvest because they had nailed their farming technique. No, these folks had faced starvation, bitter winters, and loss. Yet, they paused to thank God for His faithfulness. They understood something that we too often forget: gratitude isn’t about how much we have; it’s about recognizing where it all comes from.

The modern world wants to bury this truth under layers of Black Friday sales and Instagram-worthy spreads. But Thanksgiving was—and still should be—about acknowledging our dependence on God. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” That’s the real heart of the holiday, not who makes the best green bean casserole.

A Time for Family (and Maybe Some Patience)

Thanksgiving also reminds us of the value of family, even if they test our patience like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. Yes, your cousin might bring up his latest conspiracy theory, and Grandma might comment on your weight (bless her heart), but these are the people God gave us. We’re not called to love perfect people; we’re called to love real people.

In a society that often seems determined to tear families apart, Thanksgiving gives us the chance to sit down at the same table and rediscover the bonds that tie us together. It’s about more than food—it’s about the relationships we nourish. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Sometimes that adversity is Aunt Karen’s politics, but hey, that’s part of the charm.

Gratitude vs. Consumerism

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Black Friday. Thanksgiving isn’t even over before the holiday is overshadowed by a stampede to grab the latest gadgets. What does it say about us as a culture when we spend more time strategizing our shopping than thanking God for what we already have? Philippians 4:11 tells us to be content in all circumstances, but it’s hard to feel content when you’re fighting over the last flat-screen TV at Walmart.

Maybe this year, we can skip the midnight sales and focus on what really matters. Let’s trade the chaos of consumerism for the quiet joy of gratitude. After all, those deals will be forgotten in a month, but the memories we make around the table will last a lifetime.

A Call to True Thanksgiving

We have a responsibility to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive. That means rejecting the culture of entitlement and cultivating hearts of gratitude—not just on the fourth Thursday in November, but every day. It means teaching our kids that the world doesn’t owe them anything, but God has given them everything they need.

Let’s use Thanksgiving as a chance to recalibrate, to refocus on what truly matters: our relationship with God, our love for one another, and the blessings we often take for granted. Let’s pray for our nation, divided as it is, and ask God to heal our land. And let’s enjoy that pie, because gratitude tastes a whole lot better with a dollop of whipped cream.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! May your turkey be juicy, your family peaceful, and your heart full of thanks.