There are a lot of words that probably come to mind when the Thanksgiving holiday makes an appearance each year, and many people simply think “food” and “football.” It is impossible not to think of the different delicacies that will be offered at Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, mashed potatoes, ham, etc. After a feast fit for kings, all of the men in the family typically crowd around the television to watch football. A feast followed by football has become a tradition in households across the nation, and many people have seemingly forgotten the true reason as to why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving first came to be in 1621 when the Pilgrims threw a feast and invited local Indians to the gathering. This act of kindness was the Pilgrim’s way of thanking the Indians for all of the assistance they had provided the settlers in relation to growing crops. It unfortunately seems as though the true meaning behind Thanksgiving has slipped away after 400 years of tradition, for the Pilgrims and the Indians were not simply gathering to eat large amounts of food. They were not congregating together for random celebration either. They were, in fact, together to show their gratitude and respect for one another.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together to give thanks for all of the things that we usually take for granted. It is true that some people are not as fortunate as others during the holiday season, and it is important to remember that we are alive today all thanks to Jesus Christ our Savior. He died for us on the cross! We often times forget that we are alive because of the sacrifice that He and his Heavenly Father made for us so long ago. We tend to take advantage of our earthly lives, and the many things that we have to be grateful for: electricity, water, food, shelter, education, family, friends, etc. The saddest part of it all is that we never remember to thank Him.

So this Thanksgiving, when you are sitting at the table surrounded by your loved ones, take the time to thank them for the ways in which they impact your life. But more importantly, take the time to thank Him for all of your blessings.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).