Guest post by author Julia Kay
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
Thanksgiving is over. Or is it?
I absolutely love Thanksgiving Day. But if you and I were having breakfast down at a local restaurant or having a cup of coffee in a quaint bistro, I would put a finger over my lips and say, “Shhhh. I have a confession.”
One year, because of a scheduling dilemma, our family had to haul our Christmas tree home early. Now, it’s a well-known fact that we do not bring out the tinsel and lights until Thanksgiving is over. Nevertheless, while the turkey roasted and its mouthwatering aroma filled my home, the tree sat upright in our family room. Granted, we didn’t decorate for the next holiday, but the tree was there; straight and tall, an object you couldn’t miss. I still feel a little guilty because two traditions clashed, and I felt as though I had to choose one over the other.
Christmas won.
It usually does. Some folks decorate in October. No condemnation here. It’s just because Thanksgiving, wedged between Halloween and Christmas, passes all too quickly. One day. That’s it.
Yet, this one day embodies the rich history of a great nation, allowing us to focus on family and our appreciation for the blessings in our lives. Don’t you wish it felt more like a launching point instead of an ending? Maybe it could be.
As children, we learned about the Pilgrims and American Indians, which helped set the stage for understanding how our ancestors came to these shores seeking religious freedom so they could worship the Lord without persecution. Their stories continue to resonate within us as this country moves forward, as we remember to honor those who fought and died to preserve the liberties we enjoy.
However, the concept of thanksgiving predates the pilgrims, first originating in the Bible. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.”
By focusing on the blessings in our lives instead of the burdens, Thanksgiving can become a beautiful segue into Christmas. Once the turkey has been eaten, the football game is over, and the Macy’s parade has ended, I encourage you to carry thanks giving into the next season, instead of tucking it away with the leftovers. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate as we prepare for Christmas.
Julia Kay holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Southwest Baptist University and MFA from Lindenwood University. She lives in Missouri with her husband and has four children. She is a columnist and blogger, but also wields her pen to write fiction that explores the human condition and the extraordinary love of God.
Contact information includes:
Website: www.juliakayauthor.com
Email: info@juliakayauthor.com
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