November is one of the most important months of the year for giving thanks. Veterans Day and Thanksgiving both are foremost in these holidays.
Like Christmas, over the years, the holidays have become less about the true meaning and more about the day off from work and all that encompasses.
Without the service and sacrifice of our veterans there may not be a Christmas, if some atheistic government had taken over our homeland.
Thanksgiving might be to give thanks for a “Dear Leaders” birthday or the day America was conquered. Thank God we have a day to thank God — a day in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that all states would celebrate and give thanks on the same day.
Today, however, Thanksgiving seems to be just a big feast to prepare for shopping that night. With radio stations already playing Christmas music and stores setting up their displays, at times before Halloween, we are losing the important traditions of humbling ourselves and thanking the creator for our families and good fortune.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas! And, I assure you, I will be one of the millions running around on Thanksgiving night for all of the “Black Friday” deals. But mostly, I love the fact that for about a month, the world tries its hand at “Peace On Earth and Good Will Towards Men.” I sincerely wish the world would be like that all the time, but unfortunately, it won’t. There is too much evil in the world, too many men who have hate, fear and cruel ambitions in their hearts. But with all that said, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
We are losing what it means to be thankful. The majority of Americans, it seems, are not teaching their children to have manners. “Please and thank you” have been replaced by attitude and expectations. In the rush to get to the good stuff of gifts, goodies and fun, let’s all try to remind our children and grandchildren of the importance of remembering the reason for the season.
By all means, enjoy your days off from work, go to a concert or a parade. Eat too much turkey and pumpkin pie, and shop ’til your wallet bleeds. Those are the gifts we get to enjoy, (although I refuse to listen to a single Christmas song until after I eat my pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving night, then I’m in full Christmas mode and not a moment sooner!)
Our veterans, our country’s rich bounty and the birth of Christ, (even if you don’t believe in his divinity) have benefited each and every person in this great land. Let’s all be sure to give thanks that God has so profoundly blessed us all.
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