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By Dean Kelly

Minister, Highland Home Church of Christ

One November nearly 40 years ago I was sitting in a tent in a village in South India. I was feeling sort of sorry for myself. Here I was literally halfway around the world away from my wife and my children. It was Thanksgiving Day. As I sat there thinking that in a few hours (the time difference between South Georgia, where my family was back then, and South India was 11 ½ hours) my family would be eating a Thanksgiving feast without me there.

As I sat there on the end of a cot looking out the opening of a tent, I was sure then and am still sure that for the only time in my many trips to India, I saw a turkey walk by the tent. There are a few turkeys in India (according to Google) so it is possible I saw one. I thought it quite ironic that I saw one on Thanksgiving Day. I laughed at the irony and snapped myself back out of my depressing mood.

I also realized that for the Christian there is not one day of Thanksgiving, but instead thanksgiving must be a lifestyle. Paul told the Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

However, I am glad for a day that our country dedicates to thanksgiving. I hope that you will have family, feast and maybe football! I hope you will be thankful for all of God’s gifts – “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights….” James 1:17.

Above all, may you approach the cross of Christ, ever thankful for His love and sacrifice.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!