Thanks-giving

We're here again. Its thanks-giving 2007. Another year has come and gone leaving us, yet again, to reflect on who we are and what we've done with the treasures God has heaped upon us. But wait a second. Perhaps you think I'm spelling it all wrong…after all isn't it suppose to be thanksgiving? Well yes, technically, it is. Yet I think that proper spelling misses the theological and spiritual significance of this holy day. Too often I think we perceive this time of year as simply a holiday and neglect that as Christians we are called to give thanks. We are called to ponder…even list…all the ways that God has blessed over time. Yet if that's all we do…name of the things we're thankful for; eat lots of turkey; invite family and friends over for dinner; fall asleep on the couch; watch the football game; and sneak a little work in at home – then we've missed the point. Understanding what we have to be thankful for is only the first part. The gospel calls us to action – that's the giving part. After we've listed our blessings its time to give back. Its time to give of ourselves so that others can have the same sense of God at work in their lives. Its time for us to go out into the world and actively engage in building God's kingdom of shalom. So why not join me this thanks giving and not let it end with thanks. Let's make sure we also focus on the giving part of this holy day.