The Cowboys lost another game and Tony Romo came up lame. Don’t worry; be happy! Somebody fed us brussels sprouts and gave us Thanksgiving dinner pouts. Don’t worry; be happy! The neighbors partied way too loud. We didn’t have much of a crowd. Don’t worry; be happy! We couldn’t pay for plane fare home and had to spend the day alone. Don’t worry; be happy! Wooooooo ….Don’t worry; happy Thanksgiving!
It may seem strange to you that I shared my thankful list last week (while announcing that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday) and this week I am making an announcement that I don’t want to wish anyone a “Happy Thanksgiving” ever again.
Yep! He’s finally gone off his rocker! We always thought he was a little off. It has now officially been confirmed. No more “Happy Thanksgiving?” What in the world happened?
Nothing happened that made me change my mind. Thanksgiving is still my favorite. And this year’s was the best ever! (I made up some of that stuff in the first paragraph. I just needed some rhymes and sadness to make my point).
But something did happen to affect the way I think about “Happy Thanksgiving.” I looked at Facebook.
I know some of you are thinking that I just confirmed what you already believed about that evil social media thing, but I actually loved seeing all the photos of food and families and seeing the hundreds of “Happy Thanksgiving” wishes that almost everyone was posting.
I enjoyed seeing the specific blessings that people were thankful for. I appreciated the reminders that some people were not surrounded by family and friends and abundance of food, warmth, and shelter … and that we should pray for them and encourage them as we can.
Here’s where my mind made the shift: I noticed all the things people have to be thankful FOR and very little about Who we are thankful TO. (Perhaps implied, but not stated).
“Happy Thanksgiving” is ultimately about us. As long as we are happy, we have Thanksgiving success. “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” are also about us. If expressing sentiment and experiencing a sense of happiness is enough for you, that’s ok with me. “Happy and/or Merry” every day to you! And I mean that with all seriousness. I really hope you’re really happy.
It’s just not enough for me.
I don’t want to be satisfied with a happy day or even a happy life. I want to be overwhelmed by gratitude to God. I want my gratitude to be driven—not by happiness or joy about circumstances—by connection to the Source of every breath I take.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The verse doesn’t say just to BE thankful. It says to GIVE thanks. Actively. Deliberately. Intentionally.
Just an ordinary guy living an amazing life. Amazed by God and joining Him in His amazing activity in the world. Seeking the flourishing of fellow travelers.
Author, Blogger, Speaker, Singer, CoachSultant, Husband, Dad, Grandpa.
