More Than Just Some Pilgrims and a Dead Bird

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that seems more like an appetizer to another holiday. I mean, admit it, when Thanksgiving comes, you think "It's now Christmas time!" I mean, we look forward to Thanksgiving because basically it's our one day of the year where the whole purpose of the day is simply to eat a lot and no one will judge you for it. Sure, there's something about pilgrims, Indians (Native Americans for the politically correct crowd), a big boat, and some rock, but none of that's important. We just eat and finally feel free to bring out the Charlie Brown Christmas CD (or if you're in my family, Kenny G's Christmas CD, because you can't celebrate the birth of our savior without Kenny). It's amazing how much we really take this day for granted. We really lose sight of the significance of this day and what we should do other than just eating. Thanksgiving is about being thankful and it's about family and friends. Not only that, but it's about helping others be thankful for their Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, instead of having a regular service, Trailhead Church decided to bless others with a Thanksgiving that may have not have had a Thanksgiving at all. First off, I was so thankful to see all the people come out. I would be lying if I said I expected so many, so shame on me. Kudos to all that came and chose to help others and spend some time with other church members. Also, a big kudos to Jodi for being such a huge help at finding these families! So we met at the Ramada Inn and prepared the baskets with food, devotions (Santa Biblias for our Spanish speaking friends), and then we split up into our groups and headed out to deliver the baskets. My group (Ashley, Hillary, Joe, and myself) had the convenience of having our people be relatively close to each other. Unfortunately, we didn't have the convenience of speaking the same language (hence, the Santa Biblias). But lucky for us, Ashley could speak a good deal of Spanish and they could speak enough English for us to deliver the food and pray with them.

Even though there was a language barrier between us, it was obvious to see that they were thankful to be blessed with a Thanksgiving. How grateful they were to have people pray with them and deliver them a simple meal that we take for granted once a year. I can't remember a time where I didn't have a Thanksgiving. I can't remember a time where it was an option to not have a Thanksgiving because we lacked. To look in these peoples' eyes and see their thankfulness that someone would take the time just to pray with them and to deliver them a large meal, shows me that they weren't expecting to have anything like that this year.

This isn't about our generosity as people. This is about showing people God. The only reason we were able to purchase these meals was because God gave us the funds to do so and the only reason we did it was because the Holy Spirit directed us to do this. God is the great provider and this Thanksgiving, He wanted to provide for these people and show them Him through us. He also wanted to show me what I take for granted. Thanksgiving is more than just a meal. It's more than just a gluttony fest and it's more than just a trailer for Christmas. It's about being thankful. Thankful for a God that provides for us. Thankful for a God that sets us free from things we didn't deserve to be set free from. Thankful for a past redeemed, a present that makes sense, and a future that's secure. Thankful for great friends and family in my life that I see God work through everyday. Thankful that God gave those families the opportunity to sit down with each other and enjoy a large meal together and be thankful themselves.

This Thanksgiving, I'm going to have the privilege of sitting down with my family and enjoying a large meal with them, but I'll think about those families that probably understood very little what any of us had to say (except for Ashley) and think about them sitting around eating this huge meal and enjoying the time they have with their family and I know that they'll look at that moment and they'll see God.

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25: 37-40

Giving to God is not just about giving your money in the offering, giving your time in prayer, and giving your all in worship. It's also about the giving of yourself to others through love and giving them something to be thankful for.