With apologies to Forest Gump’s mama, I would suggest that “Thanksgiving is as thanksgiving does.”
On a day when the theme of giving thanks is often overshadowed by the stress of travel and cooking, when old family tensions may loom as shadows in the background, when resentment over who does all the work and who watches all the football may cast a pall over the day, I think it’s worth taking a moment to consciously focus on “thanksdoing.”
What can I do today that will demonstrate appreciation to God and to others? What effort or attention to others can I give that lives out an attitude of gratitude?
My thanksdoing will start with getting the leaves off the lawn, and go from there. What’s on your “doing” plate?
Thanksgiving is as thanksgiving does.
Professor of Old Testament at Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and the Contributing Editor and Curriculum Writer at Good Faith Media.
