Today’s post on the Jack’s Winning Words blog is a great reminder that we need to pause and give thanks for all that we have, rather than getting ready to bolt out the door on Friday morning in search of more stuff.
“Lord, as we bow our heads to pray,
We celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
Help us have the right attitude,
As we turn to you in gratitude.
Thank you for our festive mood;
Thank you, Lord, for this good food;
Thanks for blessings great and small;
Thank you, thank you for it all.” Amen
(Thanksgiving Table Prayer by Joanna Fuchs)
Black Friday is named for the fact that the money made on that one day is what puts many retailers in the black for the year; however, it might as well be named for one of the darkest aspects of human nature – greed. The need for more, more, more drives people as much as the savings that they think they are getting on that day. Thanksgiving is just another example of the perversion days that are supposed to be set aside for thoughtful reflection and gratitude for the things that God has given us. The requirements of children’s sports have already taken away most Sundays and turned Sunday mornings from family time at church to travel time to games.
It’s common for people to ask, “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” My response will be what I’m not doing for Thanksgiving. I’m not going Black Friday shopping. If anything, I will shop in Milford, where the local merchants have decided to turn it into Give Back Friday and will be donating a portion of all sales to local charitable causes. That’s one thing that I’ll remember to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe I’ll see you there.
Picture from the Give Back Friday Facebook Page
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