I was at the local library this evening for their “fall family story time”. As tonight’s session started, the reader asked the kids what was coming up on Monday. Thanksgiving was the correct reply (Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October). The reader then asked what happens for Thanksgiving or what do you do for this holiday. The response: food. Everyone chuckled, some harder than others, and the conversation died there. While food is a fun part of Thanksgiving, even in my family, it can’t be the only reason why people celebrate. Or can it?
Truth be told, I was slightly disturbed by this. Major holiday, involving “thanks” and food was the only priority? What’s more–this was a child’s response. This is a reflection of what the child is learning or has been taught. No other kids had their hands up with responses either. It made me think. Are children no longer taught to give thanks?
It’s kind of different for me. Giving thanks plays a big role in my relationship with God. It’s something that I do and am intentional about doing, particularly when I don’t feel like there’s anything to be thankful for. When you live life with eyes that seek out things to be thankful for, it adds a different perspective. You tend to be more positive about life in general. This is something worth sharing, so I’m teaching my children to be thankful. Even at their young ages, they have things that they can thank God for.
Where does that leave people who aren’t in the habit of thankfulness? I know people who are into themselves, very self-focused, very self-oriented. They often tend to be quick to complain, yet slow to be thankful. As though nothing happens outside of their personal bubble or beyond their control. In fact, they get flustered with something extraordinary occurs. I wonder what meaning, if any, Thanksgiving has for them. Or is their main focus food as well…
Lots to think about. Lots more to teach my girls. Lots to live.
And I thought I was going to the library for 30 minutes of cute stories and a craft.