Reflections on Gratitude, Tradition, and Thanksgiving
The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society
A Pause for Perspective
Thanksgiving is a season unlike any other, a time when our hurried lives slow, our hearts soften, and our attention turns to the blessings we often overlook. As an American holiday with deep spiritual roots, it reminds us not only of the Pilgrims’ gratitude to God for his provision but also of the timeless call to live with thankful hearts.
For Christians, Thanksgiving serves as an echo of our daily worship, pointing us back to the Giver of every good and perfect gift. As Psalm 107:1 exhorts us, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” In a culture increasingly marked by division and noise, the quiet act of gratitude stands as a witness to the world.
The Fabric of Family Traditions
In my home, Thanksgiving is a tapestry woven with traditions, each thread vibrant with memory and meaning. The smells of roasting turkey and warm rolls fill the house, mingling with laughter and the low hum of the Macy’s parade in the background. Our grown children arrive throughout the morning, each bringing their own contributions - both culinary and conversational - to the gathering.
One cherished tradition occurs just before the meal. While not a longstanding tradition, in the past we have gathered around the table, taking turns sharing what we’re thankful for. Some expressions are lighthearted, like gratitude for a favorite dessert, while others are deeply personal, recounting God’s faithfulness through trials. This simple practice transforms the meal into an altar of praise, reminding us that Thanksgiving isn’t merely a holiday but a posture of the heart.
And, of course, no Thanksgiving in our home would be complete without a hearty cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs, who are playing today and not tomorrow. (Don’t miss it because you were out shopping.) These moments of shared joy remind me of the simple pleasures that bind families together.
The Spiritual Discipline of Gratitude
Gratitude is far more than good manners; it’s a spiritual discipline that reorients our hearts toward God. In a world that conditions us to focus on what we lack, Thanksgiving calls us to recognize all that we have been given. As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
This discipline isn’t always easy. Life’s hardships can obscure our blessings, and our hearts can grow forgetful. But it’s precisely in these moments that gratitude becomes a powerful act of faith. By giving thanks, even when circumstances seem bleak, we declare our trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God.
Thanksgiving as a Witness to the World
In recent years, I’ve grown increasingly aware of Thanksgiving’s potential as a witness. Our hospitality - whether to family, neighbors, or even strangers - offers a tangible expression of the love of Christ. When we set an extra plate at the table or offer a word of encouragement, we reflect the heart of our Savior, who fed the hungry and welcomed the outcast.
Jesus himself modeled the perfect balance of gratitude and truth. Though he often engaged in conflict with those in power, he did so with godly purpose, never losing sight of the individual hearts before him. As his followers, we’re called to do the same - to stand for truth while embodying grace. Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to live out this calling in practical ways, showing the world what it means to live as a redeemed people.
Finding Transcendence in Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is also a time to rediscover the beauty and transcendence in the ordinary. As we sit around the table, we experience a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where every tribe and tongue will gather in perfect unity. The simple act of breaking bread together reminds us of our shared humanity and the ultimate hope we have in Christ.
These quiet acts of worship ground us, reminding us that our joy is rooted not in the abundance of the feast but in the faithfulness of the God who provides it.
Living a Life of Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving this year, I encourage you to embrace its deeper meaning. Let gratitude shape your conversations, your actions, and your prayers. Take time to thank those who have impacted your life, to reach out to someone in need, or to reflect on the ways God has been faithful to you.
Remember, gratitude is contagious. When we express thankfulness, it not only uplifts our own hearts but inspires those around us to do the same. As Romans 12:10 reminds us, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” Let Thanksgiving be a day when we put this into practice, honoring God, one another, and the blessings we share.
An Invitation to Gratitude
This Thanksgiving, may your home be filled with laughter, your table with abundance, and your heart with gratitude. Let us all take this opportunity to draw closer to God, to one another, and to the truths that sustain us in every season.
P.S. If this reflection has encouraged you, please share it with someone who might benefit from its message. And as always, you can find more of my reflections at Walking Points. May we carry the spirit of Thanksgiving with us throughout the year.