Happy Thanksgiving

As a Brit I have really come to appreciate the great time that is Thanksgiving, which we celebrate (with the rest of the US) this Thursday. Carol and I are preparing to share with our American side of the family - Rob, Lori, Elliot and Sophie. Why do I appreciate it more? Because:

• Thanksgiving is the gateway to deeper living. Whenever you truly give thanks it requires you to look beyond yourself, to pause, reflect, remember and smile. We love going to church on Wednesday evening this week, when the microphone roves and people sound out reasons why they are thankful to God. As the nation gives thanks for its beginnings, each of us can make sure we don't take the big gifts of life, family, and new life in Christ for granted. That why thanks play such a big role in the psalms.


• Thanksgiving brings people together without the razzmatazz of gifts. Christmas has become so dominated by present giving and receiving - parcels and packages can overwhelm relationships. But Thanksgiving gives more space for us just being together - though I realize the food and the sport can overwhelm.


• Thanksgiving is a community break. So many of my students have said how ready they are, after eight weeks of term, for a break. I certainly feel like that having just completed a massive load of grading! It really does come at a good time for all of us.

I wish you all, wherever you are, Happy Thanksgiving.