Have you noticed that for the last few years our nation and even ourselves have somewhat overlooked the real meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday? Christmas decorations are everywhere sometimes as early as late summer!
The Lord has convicted me recently that I need to be much more intentional in guiding myself and my family to make Thanksgiving a more meaningful and restful day on the calendar. I’ve come up with 5 very simple tips in having a more “thankful” Thanksgiving. Will you join me?
- Each week between now and Thanksgiving, seek out a verse in Psalms that reminds us about the importance of being thankful to God for the many ways He has blessed me/my family. Read that verse every day of a given week.
- Consider writing each person in your family a handwritten note expressing your thankfulness for them citing ways they are unique and a blessing.
- Commit to not overlooking Thanksgiving in your Kids Ministry. Find ways to help kids be more thankful … projects (food for the needy, random acts of kindness, etc.), devotionals for them and their families, maybe writing a letter to God expressing thankfulness.
- Invite someone/family to join you for your Thanksgiving meal. Model for your kids this act of service.
- At Thanksgiving lunch, ask each family member to write on an index card something for which he/she is thankful. Place them in a bag or basket and let someone read them individually and let the group “guess” the author.
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1
Jerry Vogel is an Editorial Ministry Specialist in Lifeway Kids. He is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and has served over 40 years in Kids Ministry at the local church level as well as at Lifeway. Jerry currently teaches four-year-olds at his church.
