Thanksgiving Day is one of the few “stopping” holidays that still exists in the U.S.A. Sure, there are some restaurants that stay open. Hospitals, gas stations, and fast food places don’t close. But schools, and most businesses and manufacturing places give folks the day off for Thanksgiving. So most Americans stop and get together with family and/or friends to eat together as a way of saying thanks for the many blessings of our lives.
A lot of families attach other traditions to this national day of thanks. Some go hunting every Thanksgiving. Some have to watch the NFL or NBA on T.V.. My wife and kids have always watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on T.V. We also have to have both turkey and ham, green bean casserole, southern cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, Grandma Karges’s pineapple casserole and chutney cranberry sauce for the meats.
Since our kids were little, we’ve also added going to a movie Thanksgiving night. A lot of those were the new Disney animated feature (i.e., Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Toy Story etc.).
When we lived in Charleston, South Carolina, my Mom and Dad would drive from Nebraska and meet us half-way in Nashville and we’d stay at some Residence Inn and go to Cracker Barrel for the Thanksgiving meal.
This year my family will be traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina to see our son Zack. The seniors in the NC State marching band will be recognized at half-time of the football game on Friday. He’s really enjoyed his four years playing the snare drum in the 325 member Wolfpack marching band. We’ll get to see Cindy’s sister’s family; including her niece’s and nephew’s families while we’re there.
Those who were members when my Dad and Mom, Rev. Gil and Connie Karges were here (for 13 years) will enjoy seeing them next Sunday as they come and take care of things while we’re gone.
May God be with us and help us to stop to give thanks for all the blessings of our lives. May God also be with us as we step onto that moveable walkway called Advent that will accelerate us toward Christmas at break-neck speed.
Grace & Peace,
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