Remember

the days when Thanksgiving was about thanks giving?

Remember

when it would have been unthinkable for a store owner to

put out Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving?

Remember when the "Rich's Christmas tree was lit

immediately following Thanksgiving?

I have

often thought of what God in Heaven thinks of us as we

worship the commercialism we have all grown accustomed

to. It appears that our "Thanksgiving" is just

centered around a meal alone. If this is the case, we

have missed Thanksgiving all the way around.

I am told

that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by a few

grains of corn per person and that the tradition later

took on the large meal as the pioneers progressed. We

also have the famous paintings of the large tables of

food with the Pilgrims and the Indians all standing

around. We must be reminded that this all came much later

than the first humble beginnings.

I believe

that there is a message for us as we enjoy this booming

economy. This Thanksgiving, most Americans with an

average income will eat from the most heavily laden

tables of food that the world has ever seen. May we all

remember our roots and from where we came.

This Sunday

at the American Legion Log Cabin our church will be

celebrating, immediately following the service, a

"Thoughtful Thanksgiving." This will involve

tables with information being set up to inform us of

35-40 different ministry opportunities. This will allow

us to look over and commit to praying for and financially

supporting a particular ministry, like the "Heifer

Project," where you can purchase a goat or a cow for

a needy family in the Third World.

It is said

that any one of us is two to three missed pay checks away

from losing it all. There but by the grace of God stand

you or I.

They will

be asked to sign a "thoughtful Thanksgiving

certificate," to be posted on the refrigerator door

to remind family members of their prayer and financial

support commitment to the ministry they choose. Part of

building Godly character is empathy - thinking of

others. I guarantee your Thanksgiving will be more

meaningful if you attempt to "give it away."

Plan to

drop by after your worship services and sign a

certificate of commitment. Happy pre-Thanksgiving.

[The Rev.

Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of His House Community

Church (SBC) and a substitute school teacher in the

Fayette County school system, and a former Army chaplain.

The church is currently meeting in the American Legion

Log Cabin across from the fountain on the Square in

Fayetteville. Prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail [email protected] .