A Thanksgiving Message from ALSM’s President & CEO
Greetings!
It is hard to believe that another year has passed and I am sitting here in front of my computer framing yet another message of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is the holiday that seems to get lost in all of the commercialization of Christmas. It seems we go directly from Halloween (which is a big commercial holiday now) to Christmas with little thought of Thanksgiving. In this message, I want to begin saying that I believe there is danger in identifying one day a year as Thanksgiving Day. It is the danger of suggesting that thanks is due on this day only. Of course, we face similar dangers with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the list of holidays goes on. Should we not honor Mothers? Fathers and others more than once a year? Should we not be thankful more often than once a year on the fourth Thursday of November?
I suggest that giving thanks to God is important because it honors God. I would also mention that the Scriptures call for constant and consistent gratitude. Gratitude improves our lives. Gratitude enhances our experience of all the good things in our lives. Gratitude helps us handle the difficult trials in life with dignity, and sometimes even humor. Gratitude is like our Thanksgiving feast that we savor with every bite, rather than hurrying through our meal because we have other chores to which to attend.
In the next few days, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. There may so much preparation and activity that we will really have little time for intentional giving of thanks to God.
When you think of Thanksgiving, what images come to mind? Turkey? Ham? Pumpkin pie? Mince pie?Family around the table? Football? Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? I suggest that no matter what images may come to your mid or how grand your Thanksgiving Day dinner may be, that you not overlook the heart of Thanksgiving. I strongly urge you to let Thanksgiving be more than one day. Take time out of your week and next to remember all of your blessings and express gratitude for them. In fact, take several minutes each day this week and for many weeks to come to reflect on your blessings. If you do, you will not only be doing the right thing, you may also find that your celebration of Thanksgiving is richer and more fulfilling than you may imagine. You may discover that your gratitude will improve your life and those around you.
May you and your loved ones express your gratitude for all the blessings that God has bestowed on you. I know that is what I will be doing on Thanksgiving and for many more days to come.
In his service,
Patricia W. Savage
President/CEO
