3 Steps to Enjoy Thanksgiving

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings” - William Arthur Ward

I’m sure you do Thanksgiving right at your house! Everyone has their traditions, favorite dishes and ways to go about celebrating this holiday. No matter how you do it, there are a few common things that we all do to help us enjoy Thanksgiving.

1. Prepare

Growing up, this seemed like the craziest part of the whole day. Are we really spending days getting ready for something that will take us 30 minutes or less to devour?! And the answer is: yes! We should treat our lives like we prepare for the Thanksgiving meal. It may not be the most fun part of your life, but it is possibly the most important. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to appreciate and find the joy in the preparation as much as in the eating.

2. Eat

This might be the most Biblical thing we do all year! Think about how often food is talked about and consumed in the Bible. From Adam and Eve eating the unidentified fruit all the way to the marriage supper of the Lamb, food is a big deal. One of my favorite Thanksgiving quotes is from Kevin James. “Thanksgiving man. Not a good day to be my pants.” Enjoy all the work you have put in. Celebrate when the preparation has paid off. It’s okay to sit back and enjoy.

3. Clean Up

I was told this a lot growing up, and now I tell my kids this all the time: pick up after yourselves! You baked and made a mess, don’t leave it for someone else to clean up! You ate a lot, and probably ate some more. Clean up your mess. If we aren’t careful in life, we can leave a mess wherever we go. This happens with the words we speak, the things we do and even the things we don’t do.. Proverbs 14:4 says, “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but increase comes by the strength of the ox.” Messes are a part of life. Don’t let it stop you from doing big things! Make great meals! Work hard and prepare always. But don’t forget to clean up after yourself!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving today...and every day!