Get serious about giving thanks

A little more than 55 years ago, Canadian Parliament proclaimed "a Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed." It was the official start to the holiday that now falls in the second week of October.

The idea wasn't new. It dates back to the late 1500s when early explorers led by Martin Frobisher held a day of thanksgiving and communion after surviving a particularly grueling trip searching for the Northwest Passage. Days of thanksgiving pop up regularly from that point in Canadian history—some as festivals celebrating the harvest with First Nations neighbours, some commemorating the end of wars and rebellions or a special anniversary.

A constant, in those early years, was a clear realization that God was in control. He was caring for His people. No matter who hard it got, hearts overflowed with gratitude for what God had done and was doing. People, in large part, recognized their dependence on Him.

But as time went on, the holiday's original intent became muddled. Celebrating God's provision gets a little cliché when so many of us here in Canada are so very comfortable. Independence is the order of the day.

We get excited about the day off from work (with the exception of most of our friends in the Atlantic provinces). We indulge in a big turkey dinner, maybe watch some football. We rattle off a few things we're thankful for—family, friends, food. There might be a church service. But all in all the holiday is pretty low-key.

We slouch low in our La-Z Boys, full to the brim, and forget the rest of the world struggles on. If it does cross our consciousness, we're thankful we're not them.

Except that we are. We don't live in that proverbial bubble. The struggles faced by others in general, and fellow Christ-followers in particular, can't be pushed so quickly to the back of our minds.

We need to be cognizant of what's happening elsewhere in our cities, provinces and world. We need to recognize God's provision, even in the most discouraging, despair-filled situations. We need to thank Him for those men and women who are on the ground, making a difference, even as we consider how we can get involved.

Consider the eclectic mix of stories that we publish here at ChristianWeek. Musicians, actors, pastors, professors, writers, development workers, evangelists, sports stars, ordinary people like you and me…they're all here; they're all taking active roles in God's story.

Bountiful harvest? Yes! Canada has been blessed? Definitely! Take the time to offer thanks for the people highlighted in our pages, on our website and beyond. I am thankful that ChristianWeek is here to share their stories. There are many more to tell.

And I am thankful for the many readers and friends who are supporting us in the journey. Through you, God has provided for ChristianWeek for more than 26 years. We trust He will for many more to come. Thank you for being part of our ministry. Happy day of giving thanks.

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