I am aware that there are some problems with the traditional ways in which we have celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States:

• We have not been accurate in the telling of the story of the Pilgrims of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the devastation experienced by the indigenous people from illnesses introduced by settlers, and the ways in which colonialism continues to oppress and denigrate American Natives.
• The crass over commercialism of the holiday and its association with a post-holiday shopping spree detract from the meaning of the day.
• The emphasis on a feast and over eating has not been kind to the overall health of celebrants.

In some ways our Canadian neighbors recognition of an annual day of national thanksgiving holds appeal:

• After being recognized on several different dates, the date now has landed on the second Monday of October, coinciding with the US recognition of Native American Day, formerly known as Columbus Day. The combination of recognition of the gifts and contributions of Indigenous People with a day of Thanksgiving is appropriate.
• The day is observed more as a general harvest festival, celebrating the bounty of the land rather than focusing on a narrow group of travelers and explorers who colonized this continent.
• Canadians are a bit more laid-back in their recognition, without the massive feasts, football, and parades.
• There is no huge post-Thanksgiving spending season in Canada.

That being said, we will recognize Thanksgiving today. Although I learned from my Lakota Neighbors in South Dakota that every day should be a day of giving thanks, there is something appealing to me about this day which is settled in month that begins with All Saints Day and includes the celebration of the Reign of Christ. Recognition of those holidays help to counter the traditional emphasis on colonialists that has been part of Thanksgiving celebrations. All Saints Day recognizes the contributions of all of our forebears, not just some of them. And Reign of Christ is a repudiation of all colonial powers. Prevailing governments and dominating politicians are not sovereign in God’s realm, where the suffering servant who sacrificed for all is the example of how to live a life of service to others.

I am filled with gratitude for so many things.

I have been amazed and grateful for more than a half a century to be graced with living with a remarkable, beautiful, brilliant partner. I did not earn this relationship through any merit of my own. I continue to be surprised that somehow she took notice of me and fell in love with me. I was not a good student when she met me. She had to teach me how to study. She, on the other hand was smart, witty, and well read. I have relied on her intelligence as a colleague and a partner for all of our life together. I am fortunate beyond words.

I am grateful for the gift of to children who continue to be the best of friends to each other and to their parents. They are accomplished and wonderful. They have navigated their life journeys into adulthood without suffering crippling addictions, life-altering accidents, or severe illnesses that have shaped the lives of so many families. They are bringing forth futures with stable marriages, the gifts of grandchildren, and their incredible abilities to form community.

I am grateful to be surrounded by genuine nurturing communities. Each time we have moved we have been received by loving and supporting congregations who engage us in mission and service, celebrate worship in meaningful ways, engage in the work of justice, and practice radical hospitality to those who have been marginalized.

I am grateful for the gift of health. While I realize that this gift is in some ways temporary and that any person can suffer any kind of illness, we have been extremely fortunate to enjoy excellent health. So far our life journeys have been free from addiction, severe mental illness, and life-threatening disease. We have benefitted from scientific medicine and skilled, caring practitioners. The congregations we have served have provided us with insurance that gives us access to health care that is denied to so many of the world’s citizens. We have been able to obtain health care without the crippling debt that has visited too many of our neighbors.

I am grateful for meaningful work. I had a career of work that I loved and was even able to find a wonderful two-year break from retirement to do work that contributed to others. I have volunteer possibilities that serve others and add meaning to my life. Yesterday I spent the day working at our son’s farm while they traveled for the holiday. There is no shortage of good work on a farm. Caring for chickens and working in the orchard are parts of providing food for our family and others. I have access to a shop filled with tools where I can work at restoring furniture, building boats, and making repairs.

My gratitude list is far more extensive than can be reported in a single journal entry. Thanksgiving is more than a single day. In recognition of that reality, we will be modest in our celebration. Although we have planned a special dinner with some traditional foods, we will avoid over eating. In a little while I’ll start baking rolls, a family tradition. We’ll have turkey and dressing and cranberries. There will be sweet potatoes. And we’ll have leftovers to enjoy for a few days.

As has been our tradition, I will be able to avoid shopping on Black Friday and will refrain from placing online orders on Cyber Monday. I have no need of a television set and I’m far more interested in the things I want to buy rather than the things retailers want to sell. We have been careful in planning our giving that we can be generous all year long and have no need to make Giving Tuesday a single day of generosity.

However you recognize the day, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! May it be a day of expressing the gratitude you feel and dedicating yourself to seeking justice and serving others.