A Family Tradition

As everyone is preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday I hope each one will take time to reflect and thank God for the many blessings He has given and to give Him THANKS for these blessings. As I am making preparations to go visit my family later this week, I just wanted to take a minute to share 0ne of my family's Thanksgiving traditions.

It is truly a tradition which promotes giving thanks...literally!

For the past 15 years at least my parents have had the Thanksgiving tradition of our Thanksgiving Lists. Each member of our family and really anyone who happens to be dining with us each year, whether family or not, writes a list of everything they are thankful for. It's that simple.
Usually we each begin thinking about the things we are thankful for and writing them down the week or so before Thanksgiving. Our lists usually include special blessings that have happened in the past year, but really ANYTHING is allowed to go on your list...from indoor plumbing, air conditioning, heat and flannel sheets to your favorite food and taste buds to taste it with. It may sound silly, but it is actually a great exercise to MAKE yourself stop and remember the good gifts God has given, big and small that you are thankful for. It takes time, effort and diligence to have your list ready on Thanksgiving morning when we all gather together in my parent's living room while each one present reads his list aloud---no matter how long or short, how in depth or simple...each item is read out loud for others to hear. Sometimes as I listen to another person's list I am reminded of more things that I AM thankful for, but didn't remember to add it to my list this year. As each list is read we can all relate to so many items on others' lists. There have been times of laughter and tears as we think back to the joyous occasions and trials or struggles that God has lead us through and made us stronger in the end because of. Even for trials there has been thanks given. If certain family members cannot be present we have been known to fax and email lists to one another. The years my sister and her family lived in Germany, we took turns reading their lists to one another even though they were not there. This year my sister's family is in Kansas City and so we will be listening to them read their lists via speaker phone Thanksgiving morning. Ahh, that reminds me---I need to put TECHNOLOGY on my list, which makes it possible to hear my nieces and nephew voice their thanks to God for the blessings in their lives, even though they are 850 miles away!

I have been helping Mara Kate get her list started and here is a sneak peek of a few things on her list...

1) The best mommy in the world :)
2) The best daddy in the world
3) breast milk
4) goldfish crackers
5) toys, especially books

This tradition has become one of my favorites over the years---and makes Thanksgiving a special holiday set apart from any other. So, as you are eating turkey, stuffing and potatoes this coming Thursday remember to "tell of His glory...His wonderful deeds among all the people."
(1 Chr. 16:24)