THANKSGIVING…. Gathering the nation around the table
Throughout this nation’s history, people have gathered at various times to fast or give thanks to God. The first presidential proclamation came as
George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation,November 26, 1789 .
Abraham Lincoln set the precedent for Thanksgiving with his proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. ……
I remember growing up as a child in upstate New York and Thanksgiving being a very special day when it seemed to me like the entire nation would pause to gather around one table and give thanks to God. It seemed like the entire country stopped for a day to show gratitude to God. There were no stores open and people gathered in congregations the eve before Thanksgiving to worship together and then went home to finish preparing sumptuous meals to be shared the next day. If a family member was away serving our country, or could not make it home, or there had been a death that year, then there might be an empty place setting as they were symbolically part of the gathering.
We live in busier times and much has changed over the years with Thanksgiving sales now taking place before, during and after Thanksgiving. I encourage you to try to “slow” down your thanksgiving preparation and allow celebration to be intentional and mindful. As you pull out that favorite recipe for cooking, also pull out a piece of paper and write down the things you are giving God thanks for this year. While the pie is in the oven, let your heart be warmed by God’s presence with you. As you peel potatoes, practice focusing on God’s presences with you (
click here to learn how Brother Lawrence practiced God's presence)
As you are putting in that extra leaf in the dining room table, consider those we don’t usually include in our gathering. Those gathered at Plymouth for the first thanksgiving did not all look the same, believe the same, speak the same language, yet they paused and gathered at one table. They had shared together, tasted new foods and realized the power of a wider community.
My grandmother had a gift for hospitality and never worried about extra people being added to our gathering. She lived out of an abundance model (not a scarcity model). When the mashed potatoes seemed to be running low, or the last piece of pie was out…somehow, she’d always say “don’t worry there’s plenty more in the kitchen”.
This year across the state, a growing number of congregations are inviting those who are hungry for food, craving community or seeking meaning through service to share in a thanksgiving dinner together, from our urban centers, to villages and shore towns and beautiful pastoral rural settings. Many are gathering to say thanks and share the bounty of what God has provided.
This year may we pause with intention, being fully mindful that we were created for and sustained by relationship with God, each other-even across the differences and God’s world. Let’s keep adding to our table, inviting others in to share, until we can seat our nation together at one table, giving thanks to God who created us all, redeems and sustains. “Don’t worry there’s plenty more …” We are loved by and give thanks to a gracious God!