Turkey, Tradition, and Thanksgiving
| “Everyone loves Thanksgiving except the turkey,” reads the marquis at a local real estate business. The first Thanksgiving in America was a simple but joyful celebration. After the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the first winter the colony was decimated by exposure, sickness, and starvation. In the spring some friendly Native Americans taught them how to plant crops in the New World. In the fall they had an abundant harvest and decided to have a feast of thanksgiving to God. They invited their friends to celebrate with them. Tradition says that turkey was part of the thanksgiving feast. |
My friend Charlie is an avid turkey hunter. Each spring and fall some family and friends campout together. The evening is full of music, fun, and fellowship. Early in the morning, those who are turkey hunters, go into the woods, lean against a tree or log, and ply their bag of turkey calls. After a multitude of unsuccessful attempts to lure a turkey, Charlie was about to give up and go back to camp. Suddenly he heard a turkey gobble behind him. As he whirled around, he saw a turkey no more than a dozen feet from him. The turkey gobbled at him and fled. Charlie said that he was so flustered, when he fired his gun, the turkey got clean away. That Thanksgiving his family had chicken. But Charlie’s family and friends always cherish the times together, whether they bag a wily turkey or not.
Thanksgiving and turkey have become a family tradition for many Americans. Some view tradition in a negative light now days. But traditions can bind families together and bring a sense of stability, well-being, gratitude, and cherished memories.
True thanksgiving is more than an annual holiday – it is a lifestyle of acknowledging and giving thanks to our Creator for his manifold blessings. Perhaps what is lacking in America today is a heart of gratitude. Without thanksgiving one takes the blessings of God for granted and, even worse, one takes God for granted. Ingratitude is the epitome of arrogance. The Word of God tells us that one of the signs of the last days will be “un-thankfulness” (II Timothy 3:1-2). When Jesus healed 10 lepers, only one returned to give him thanks. (Luke 17:11-17) Don’t be a turkey – give thanks to God.
Consider these things about Thanksgiving: First – POSITIVE, glad, and healthier individuals live a life of thanksgiving. (Proverbs 14:13; 17:22) Second – the PRESENCE of God is entered into through thanksgiving. “Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing, know that the Lord, He is God’ He has made us and not we ourselves . . . Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise . . . For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100). Third – POWER in PRAYER comes through thanksgiving. (I Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6) Fourth – it PLEASES God. “Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable; let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe; for our God is a devouring fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT). Fifth – PARDON for sin. “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). (I John 1:9-10)
Turkey, tradition and thanksgiving are good. But a life of thanks-living will transform and enrich your life forever.
by: Cliff Sanders