Why Thanksgiving?

Why Thanksgiving?

In ages past when governments had established state religions as a norm, either the monarch or perhaps the pope would declare times of national Thanksgiving. Perhaps these would celebrate the birth of an heir to the crown, the blessing of victory in battle, a bountiful harvest, the end of the plague or peace from war.

This action was a way to pause national life to give thanks and pray to the one from whom all blessings come. The early pilgrims were continuing the tradition of pausing, to literally thank God that they had survived and built a community.

So now that we know a little of the back story: I want to pause perhaps with those reading this and reflect on opportunities for thanksgiving in our communal life.

Each year the Saturday before Thanksgiving a group of people, like those early pilgrims gather people of all backgrounds and creeds in the gym at First Baptist were they are graciously welcomed by that community of faith to prepare a feast for the community to give thanks for blessings and each other. It is no small task feeding 200-300 people. Beta Alpha continues to do just that attempting to build community with a meal and a warm greeting. This action isn't just theirs alone. Big Time BBQ smokes 20 turkeys through the night, First Baptist provides the space, and helping hands from various religious and civic groups dish up to the community one scoop, ladle or portion at a time. This seemingly small action of many is what thanksgiving is about, community building and giving thanks.

This is a touchstone of things to be thankful for in our community. This list is by no means exhaustive but, take a moment and reflect on those contributing to our communal life.

I give thanks for men and women of faith who lead by example from our pulpits and backroads in our faith communities. They roll up their shirt sleeves and dig in. Al Fowler stopping what he is doing to unload food for the thanksgiving dinner. The pastor of River of Faith working into the night to help another congregation. Edwin Brewer and others working all hours to put on Freedom Fest. All these people contribute to our wonderful faith communities and work to spread the Gospel not just with words.

I think of the men and women who work to ensure our children in the school system have the tools and means to get a quality education from Bright Futures to teachers, cooks, bus drivers and administration.

I think of those who protect the common good and safety of our community -- our Police and Fire Department. They go into unsafe situations, even burning buildings to protect us.

I think of those who heed the call to elected office, working to continue the good work started by others to enrich and provide for our civic life.

I think of those who have raised their hand and promised to support and defend us with their life if necessary, in our armed forces at home and abroad.

I think of homes today in our community that house and love children who are separated from their biological families and are being nurtured simply out of a calling to help and be with those in rough places.

I think of the men and women who will take an angel off a tree not knowing who they are and buy Christmas gifts for a child who might not otherwise have one, or the person who buys extra food for the food pantry that others might also have something to eat.

I think of those who labor on the farm like Dennis McGarrah or the Beavers who grow our food and get up early to milk cows each day. They provide for our tables yet we might never see them.

This short list in comparison to all the amazing work and people in our community carried out for others by others makes a big difference in the lives of each of us.

I am thankful for each and every one of these hands and feet coming together in the community to make the world a better place. So, I invite you this Thanksgiving to reflect, not just on the blessings of new babies, promotions, new pets, or new things attained, instead remember these actions and people on Thanksgiving. I give thanks for ALL this and more through Him who is full of mercy and grace not just on Thanksgiving but every day of our lives. I hope you will join me and others in this remembrance on our national day of Thanksgiving there is much to give thanks for.

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Editor's note: Jamie Crews is with the Episcopal Church of Pea Ridge. The views expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 11/29/2017