by Nan Keltie

Created on: November 09, 2010   Last Updated: December 22, 2010

It's easy to get so involved in preparing for Thanksgiving that we fail to focus on what the day is really all about.  Find a few moments to get off your feet, sip some coffee and remind yourself of what really matters most on this special day ...

- A place to call home
Whether it’s a rented room or a spacious flat, cozy cabin or government housing, having a place to call “home” is a blessing.  Some people, due to fires, flooding, violent storms or loss of income, have no place to call their own.  Their Thanksgiving will be spent like any other day, just trying to hold body and soul together.  If you have a place to call home, count your blessings.

- Food on the table
With unemployment up and the downturn of the economy, hard times have befallen many families.  Remember, Thanksgiving isn’t about a fancy meal or fine china - it doesn’t even have to be the traditional turkey dinner.  A bowl of hearty soup or a tasty casserole will still fill your tummy … and you will have less dishes to clean up afterward.

- A measure of health
Of all the gifts in the world, good health certainly ranks near the top.  We so often take for granted the ability to see, hear, touch, taste and smell.  If you are disabled or have serious health problems, focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot.  This is a day for gratitude, not a personal pity party.

- Time with family and friends
It’s not always easy to get together with those we love, especially when work and school schedules clash.  If you’re off on Thanksgiving Day, make it a point to spend some time with the special people in your life.  Take a few moments to express thanks to the Lord for time with family and friends.   

- Good memories 
Looking back is another way to stir up a heart of gratitude.  What have you learned or achieved?  Are there obstacles or health issues you have overcome or survived?  Thank God for the abilities you do have and the strength to go forward.  If you have reached certain goals, this is a good time to share the good news and to express your gratitude for reaching them!

- A different pace
Most days we have a set schedule that leaves little time to relax.  Thanksgiving Day is a good time to do just that while enjoying simpler things - flipping through old photos, tossing a football,  working a jigsaw puzzle with the kids, playing Checkers or decorating cookies together.  It can recharge both body, soul and mind to enjoy a different pace now and then.

- God is still on His throne
The main reason we can be thankful is that our God is still on His throne.  No matter what happens in this world, He is still in control, and He is a God of mercy, grace and compassion.  

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come into His presence with singing.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name, for the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations.”  Psalm 100

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