The 4 “Fs” of Thanksgiving Day

Plus, 4 Reasons to Thank God for

Thanksgiving Day is one of my favorite holidays of the year.  Most people enjoy this holiday but for some of us is a highlight.  I like to focus on the 4 “Fs” of Thanksgiving.

I’ll get to those in a minute, but first, let me share with you a story. 

A 4-year-old boy who was asked to say grace before the Thanksgiving meal bowed his head and paused for a moment to gather his thoughts.

The family members bowed their heads to join their little relative.  He began his prayer by thanking God for his friends, naming them one by one.  Then he thanked God for Mommy. Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa and all his aunts and uncles. 

Then he began to thank God for the food.  He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, and even the Cool whip.

The he paused.  Everyone waited - - and waited.  After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked: “If I thank God for the broccoli, won’t he know that I’m lying?”

Of course, maybe not a true story, who knows, but it’s a good funny one.

The point is, it’s Thanksgiving Day is a one-time day of the year where millions celebrate – thankful for many things. 

While I too thank God during this special day, yet I don’t focus so much on that.  Truth is I thank God every day of the year. 

Thanksgiving Day is no different when it comes to thanking God.  But using this special time with my family and friends to emphasize God’s greatness, and the importance of being thankful is paramount.

It’s also a good time to develop some good thankful habits.

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Being thankful is one way to diminish criticism, frustrations, anger and fear.  Isn’t it true that it feels good when your frustrated boss tells you something like: “hey, thanks for the good work you’re doing.” 

It’s shocking and it feels good at the same time. 

The words: “Thank You” is probably the most gracious words you’ll ever utter. 
I’ve been in ministry for over 30 years, married for 28 and counseling for almost 20 years total. 

During that time, I’ve observed one thing about married couples and families in general.  I’ve noticed how it’s rather difficult or at least indifferent for spouses to say “thank you” to each other when something gets done. 

I think that because they’ve lived together for so long, they’ve taken each other for granted, failing to say “thank you” even in the small things, like when she gets him a glass of water, or when he takes the garbage out.

"“Thank You” is probably the most gracious words you’ll ever utter."   Alex Colon
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 Back to the 4 “Fs” of Thanksgiving.  They are:  Fun, Family, Food and Football.

What, did you expect something more serious?  Let me explain.

1.  Fun.
I put fun first on the list because the fun begins (for me and countless others) at around 6:30 am.  It’s then when we hit the woods for a good Thanksgiving hunt. 

The woods are quiet, no traffic, and most people are still in bed.  Also, the day usually ends with more fun – games, laughter – looking forward and planning for another Thanksgiving Day gathering next year.


2.  Family.
Thanksgiving is really about the family. Both immediate and relatives gathering together for a great celebration, fun and food.


3.  Food.
Probably the most popular food topic of the year – Thanksgiving Day meal.  I enjoy making the turkey and stuffing.  My wife enjoys making the sweet potatoes, pies, and other goodies. 


4. Football.
Really!  We’ve always enjoyed watching the football game after stuffing ourselves.  We’ve learned that for many people, this is part of their Thanksgiving tradition.

With the 4 “Fs” of Thanksgiving you can focus on enjoying your day.   But there's more to the focus of Thanksgiving than just those 4 "Fs".

I want to share with you the 4 reasons to give God thanks. 

 
1.  Thank God for who he is. 
Psalm 30:14 says: “Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.


2.  Thank God for his nearness. 
Psalm 75:1 says: “We give thanks to Thee, O God, we give thanks, for Thy name is near.


3.  Thank God for your salvation and opportunity to serve him. 
In 1 Timothy 1:12-13 the Apostle Paul said:  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, putting me into service; even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.  And yet, I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.”


4.  Thank God in everything. 
Again, the Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5;18 “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I trust that this year your Thanksgiving Day would be fun one, a spiritual one, and an overall memorable one.   

I think that with the 4 “Fs” of Thanksgiving and the 4 reasons to thank God for, you’re prone to enjoy your day. 

Happy Thanksgiving.

What other activities do you do with your family during Thanksgiving Day?