A few years ago I had a conversation with my son’s kindergarten teacher during a Thanksgiving classroom party. She shared with me that her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving because it’s one holiday that you don’t buy any gifts. I never thought of it like that before, but she was right. The PRESENTS we give on Thanksgiving are not anything that we buy, but it is our PRESENCE with each other. As we prepare the meal, watch parades, say grace, feast, share stories, watch or play football, and or strategize Black Friday shopping plans it’s ALL done TOGETHER with the PRESENCE of family and friends and we’re thankful. For loved ones who can’t be in our PRESENCE we call or message them a “Happy Thanksgiving!” For loved ones who have passed away we reminisce special times together and are thankful. We are comforted and given hope knowing we will be in their PRESENCE one day when we’re reunited with them in heaven. During our trials, joys, sorrows, and times of uncertainty we’re thankful for God’s PRESENCE. As you gather around the table with family and friends remember that your gifts for today are each other. Enjoy your Thanksgiving PRESENTS and give thanks! “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” (Psalm 107:1) Truly they are gifts from God. Happy Thanksgiving! – Melissa Lundy
