So Thanksgiving was pretty good this year. We went over Judy's parents' place and hung out with their family. They had a mini family reunion, so it was fun to be aound a lot of people for the Day of Giving Thanks. As I was observing the different families there, and how they interacted, and who was from what branch of the family, I came to a funny realization. Soon enough, the family re-unions will just be my family and their immediate relations. That is, our parents, our brothers and sisters and our kids. As my parent's generation passes, I'll be the middle generation for the family gatherings. Weird to think that eventually I won't be the kid anymore.

Eating good food with a group of peple is always fun. Having a full belly just makes people more jolly. I remember around our own dinner table (a family of 5 boys), once we all got some good helpings, the jokes always started to flow. When I was a kid, I always let Thanksgiving be the day that I permitted myself to gorge. We would eat essentially as much as we humanly could. Since that was the one day where, according to the Holiday Rulebook, it was okay. With my metabolism slowing down these days, that's not so much the case. But needless to say, this holiday I had my fill. :).

And what's a good family meeting without a little bit of drama? A little bit of stress? We had just a tiny helping of both - not enough to upset any stomachs, but enough to spice up the night, :).

This holiday we didn't really stop to sit and think about what we were thankful for. But as I reflect, I really am thank for everything. Thankful foremost of all, that there was a God-man born about 2000 years ago that thought I was worthwhile enough for Him to give up His life for me, granting me eternal life with Him. Wow. That is an incredible statement. Re-read that sentence a couple of times. Aside from that, I'm so thankful for my material blessings, that the Lord has provided for our family with income, a place to live, transportation, etc. All of those things we take so much for granted until we don't have them. I'm also thankful that I get to play the role of a husband and a father. Despite the foolish things you may see on TV or entertainment about both of those roles, I wouldn't trade them for the world. 

It's funny that we have a day set aside for giving thanks and being with family. As if we shouldn't be giving thanks and being with family for the entire year. However, on the other hand it makes perfect sense. Humans have tendency to forget. To take for granted. It's just part of who we are. We need days, special events like this to help us remember. And to not take for granted what is closest to us.

One last thing -- on this day of thanks-giving, we are saying thanks for what we have. But who are we giving thanks to?? If you are thankful, to whom do you owe your thanks? 

"Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to Him through God the Father." Colossians 3:17