A Season of Gratitude
Why did the turkey join the band? Because it had the drumsticks!
As we prepare for this special day, let’s take a moment to consider the roots of Thanksgiving. The first Thanksgiving feast, as legend has it, took place in 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe came together to celebrate the harvest. Through the years, Thanksgiving has evolved from a colonial gathering to an official national holiday, proclaimed by President Lincoln in 1863 to foster unity during the Civil War. It’s a day that asks us to pause, reflect, and give thanks—a practice deeply rooted in Scripture and our faith as Christians.
The church has always recognized the importance of thanksgiving, not just as a holiday but as a spiritual discipline. From the Psalms reminding us to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (Psalm 107:1) to Paul’s letters urging us to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), gratitude is central to our walk with Christ. Why? Because thanksgiving shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s blessings.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to share something you’re grateful for. Here’s a powerful reminder: there’s always someone who needs to hear they’ve made an impact on your life. A small word of gratitude can often be the spark that rekindles hope.
A story is told of a man who began a daily practice of writing thank-you notes. He wrote to friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers who had shown him kindness. Years later, he discovered that his practice of thanksgiving not only lifted others but transformed his own heart. Gratitude is contagious; it changes us from the inside out.
Safe travels if you’re on the road this holiday. May your Thanksgiving be filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of pie! And remember, no matter how many mashed potatoes are on the table or football games on TV, the greatest gift is the people gathered around you.
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! I am truly grateful to serve as your pastor and for all the ways God is working through Southport UMC. May we continue to be a people who pause, give thanks, and share God’s love with all.
Blessings,
Rev. William G. Nickrand
