Reflections of...Thanksgiving!

           "Oh Give Thanks--With A Grateful Heart!"

Reflections Of…Thanksgiving!

                By Alan P. Scaglione

It’s the week of Thanksgiving in America.

We are blessed by readers all across the world- some who may not know about our American Tradition.
And we have Canadian readers and English—who celebrate Thanksgiving at different times.
But for us in America—the 4^th Thursday in November is our time to remember Pilgrims and Indians—and give thanks!
Funny how we take our traditions for granted until we see them being passed on to our grandchildren—and realize, “hey, wait a minute!”
My grandson Jett was reciting the First Thanksgiving story and had the Pilgrims eating dinner with the Anakins!
The Anakins?
Yep—he was convinced they were the Anakins!
So… I had to explain to him that they were the Indians, and he, being a true Scaglione, even IF he is only 4 years old, said…
“No Nano, it’s the Anakins--  I don’t know who the Indians are, but the Anakins were eating with the Pilgrims!”
It took some convincing on my part AND his Dad’s, and he finally understood that it was the Indians!
And for that—I give thanks!
Just having the moment to correct my grandson’s thoughts on Thanksgiving—it was priceless.
We really do have so much to give thanks for…
Some people on Facebook have been putting out a “Thank You A Day”.
Come on! It’s only 30 days—we’ve got to have AT LEAST 30 things to be thankful for!
One guy decided to change it up a little!
He is putting out “I am Thankful I am NOT” daily messages!
That too can be full of gratitude!
As I think about my life—I know of so many things I wish I could fix—two situations in particular—but, I also know—God knows too!
And I trust Him above all – to give us exactly what was need exactly when we have to have it—and He knows best!
I have had some really wonderful Thanksgiving dinners—with so many around our table that we had to make chairs out of step stools!
All of them, holding hands, listening we went around the circle gathered around our table full of food—say what they are most grateful for!
It was memorable—I just never realized how priceless it would be—until the circle around my table got a whole lot smaller.
The kids have all grown up and started families of their own, some are in different states, and it’s time for them to have their traditions.
And I give thanks that all six of our kids are healthy and loved and standing on their own, raising their families.
As a parent, who could ask for anything else?
So… as you look around your table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to really appreciate each person who is there—and express gratitude.
You just never know—never year, your circle around your table could be missing one or two—and you will need this memory to get you through.
So many people tell “I have to go” stories about going home for the Holidays!
Some day… there may not be a home to go home to!
We found out about a retired minister’s widow who lost everything in the recent tornadoes in Indiana.
All she cared about is—her husband’s wedding ring. He was in heaven, but that ring meant so much to her.
And after three days of searching through the rubble that was her home—they found his ring!
There was a song that said “Life is precious, handle it with prayer!”
For some, this may be the last year that a family gathers with their parents—not realizing yet how empty next year will feel.
But for this year—cherishing that they are together, making moments matter and creating a memory that will last a lifetime.
It will have to—and they don’t even get that yet!
So as you look around your table, take the time to be thankful for what you are—and for what you are NOT!
I want to leave you with the scripture Psalm 107:1 “Oh Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endureth forever!”
Amen and Amen!

 Brother “A”

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