Thanksgiving is a week from today! It is my absolute favorite holiday of the entire year. I like it especially because there are no gifts to buy, no decorating to be done… just time with family and friends. Time to give thanks for what we have been given by God. Because of work commitments none of our kids will be “home” this year for Thanksgiving. Jim and I talked about what we should do. Should we put out the regular spread just for the two of us? I mean the holiday really loses it’s umph when there’s no family to share with. Or does it?

The holiday began in North America to give thanks for the harvest. Some believe it started as a celebration of the Pilgrims in Plymouth and the Wampanoag Native Americans who gave thanks together for making it through the harsh winter weather. Sure, we all like the traditions of the day, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, football, turkey and all the trimmings, and of course pumpkin pie! But this year I think Thanksgiving at our house will be a bit different but extra special too. We have our health, a roof over our heads, food on the table and a wonderful Peace Lutheran family to share our lives with. We are truly grateful!

So, happy Thanksgiving everyone!