In college, I was part of a Bible study in which we were each challenged to keep track of things we were thankful for throughout the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving. My roommates and I decided to take on the task with small 1”x1.5” sticky notes adhered to our large picture window; one thing per note. We each began carrying the sticky note pads around with us in our bags and adding things we were thankful for throughout the day, sticking up the notes when we returned to our dorm room each night.

As November ended, we decided to keep going because we enjoyed the renewed perspective of looking for our blessings throughout each day. God had trained our eyes and our hearts to see the things around us and the things we experienced each day in a new way. By the end of the school year, our window was covered with all the blessings we’d noticed since November.

God was at work in our hearts that year, helping us see the bounty of blessings He heaped out on us each and every day. If I had a thankfulness-sticky-note-window today, I’d write that season of God shaping my heart on it. Regardless of when or how we track our blessings, I think we’d all readily admit that they are abundant. Thanksgiving is a great time to assess our blessings, especially if we’ve gotten out of practice over the year. Our abundant blessings point us back to God’s provision and blessings over and over again.

This time of Thanksgiving can point our whole family back to God. Here's some ideas surrounding "Thanksgiving things": 

• Pilgrims­-Originally declared three days of prayer and giving thanks to God for providing them with their first corn harvest in the “new world.” The feasting part was added later to the tradition. Discuss: 
  • What are parts of your family’s Thanksgiving traditions? Has anything been added?
  • Talk about the original intention of Thanksgiving.
  • Do you think our family uses this day to give thanks to God? Why or why not? Are there any traditions we could add or change to use this day to give thanks to God?
• Turkey-In some families the carving of the turkey is a role of honor. They make carving the turkey a big event that everyone watches. When the turkey cutting tools are passed on to the next carver, it is a rite of passage of sorts; a bestowal of that honor to the next generation. Discuss: 
  • What are some things that your family passes on to the next generation in an intentional way? Do you celebrate together on the milestones?
  • We celebrate a number of faith milestones in our lives, what are some of those?
  • How is faith passed on to the next generation in your family?
• Thankfulness-Go around the table and list things you’re thankful for—at the Thanksgiving meal or anytime. (You could even begin to make this a daily practice in your home.) If you and your kids are up for a challenge, try to take the hard things from a day and see how you can be thankful for certain parts or in spite of the bad stuff. Return thanks to God for all the things you come up with.
• Pumpkin Pie-What is your family’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert? Pumpkin pie or apple pie; banana cream pie or pecan pie; cranberry jello salad (which, come on, is practically dessert!) or brownies; or maybe all of the above! Discuss: 
  • Talk with your family about your favorite Thanksgiving dessert (or dessert in general) and why it's your favorite. Is there a certain baker that makes it just the way you like? Does it need a certain topping or to be warmed just a little? What makes it “just right”? Why do you think some desserts are better than others?
  • Do you think there are other blessings that are that way?
  • What blessings that only God can give us are better than the “stuff” we have?

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 charges us to talk about faith as we go about life, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the way, when you lie down and when you get up.”

As you and your family assess all the things you’re thankful for this year, don’t forget to assess the Giver of all those gifts you enjoy!