Thanksgiving – ‘Dependence Day’

By Terry Hoggard

  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day which, despite all the concerning issues, will be joyfully celebrated by most Americans!

Thanksgiving is quite special for our family this year!

First, because we now have the 'little  guys' with us! I can't tell you how great it feels to be a first-time grandfather to identical twin boys! Caleb & Luke are on the top of our 'praise list' this Thanksgiving!

It has been a challenging start for both of them & there are still critical issues to face … but we are so aware of God's goodness to us!

Secondly, our daughter Kari will celebrate her birthday on Thanksgiving this year! I still remember Thanksgiving 197? (well, she is a young lady so some things…) when she was born & I knew the joy of being 'proud papa'!

Every Thanksgiving that feeling returns and I again I remember His goodness!

Ultimately, however, Thanksgiving reminds us that the faithfulness of God literally sustains us in every way! 

Psalm 145 expresses the depths of His goodness & faithfulness to us in such a profound way! I would encourage you to read that passage as a part of your Thanksgiving festivities.

Recently a friend (thanks Norris) sent me an excerpt of an article by Newt Gingrich entitled, 'What Every Child Should Know About Thanksgiving', that is quite inspiring & informative (in a nonpartisan sort of way), definitely worth the read, so check it out at - http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=29638

In it he says this, 'Second only to Independence Day, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday'.

As I pondered that and considered all the things that I have mentioned above, it dawned on me that in the same way that Independence Day is a celebration of our, 'Declaration Of Independence' …

Thanksgiving can be the moment that we affirm our, 'Declaration Of Dependence'!

To openly say to God to others that we know that we are joyfully, unashamedly dependent!

 Truly, without Him we can do nothing!

So … I do hope that you have a blessed 'Dependence Day'!

Hmmm … maybe we can start something here!!