If I were Thanksgiving, I’d be offended. The poor holiday gets squished in between two bigger holidays so that it is almost overlooked. As one of my friends recently stated in his Facebook status, “It’s as if Halloween and Christmas kidnapped and murdered Thanksgiving." I got a little angry yesterday in the grocery store when I heard “The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire)” playing over the speakers. Now don’t get me wrong; I love that song. But only when it’s played at the appropriate time. As a person who loves the anticipation of a holiday almost as much as the holiday itself, I get frustrated when I am forced to listen to music or look at decorations that don’t apply to the holiday at hand. And for now, that holiday is Thanksgiving.
Someone has to stand up for Thanksgiving. This poor holiday gets relegated to a single day instead of a season of gratitude by most Americans. Retail stores overlook it completely. (Well, except for stores like Williams Sonoma, which are completely dedicated to the art of food preparation and consumption. Kind of like my family. See?)
And I adore Thanksgiving, so I’m especially protective of it. What’s not to love about a holiday that centers on food (something else I adore), and then gives you an opportunity to tell people what you’re thankful for and why without the usual awkwardness? Yes, there are no presents to exchange or sentimental decorations to put up, but can’t Thanksgiving be enjoyed without being encroached upon by the two holidays that sandwich it?
Now to those of you who started listening to Christmas music back in September, I’ll agree that Christmas should be anticipated and celebrated with gusto. And I’ll be more than happy to do that just as soon as I’ve polished off my plate of Thanksgiving leftovers next Thursday night. Who’s with me?!
So what does this have to do with girls’ ministry, you may ask? Well, it may be a stretch, but I think it’s important to teach girls to savor the moment rather than continuously look down the road to what’s ahead. As Rob Bell said in Velvet Elvis: "As Christians, it is our duty to master the art of the long meal . . . Relax. Slow down. Quit having a purpose for everything. Eat more slowly and enjoy it more. Ask people how they are doing—and mean it. Take more walks. You will get more done anyway."
Thanksgiving seems like a good time to practice doing just that.
Leave a comment