The Thanksgiving Offer That Ignores Black Friday
What does Thanksgiving offer that Black Friday ignores? Lots, but it seems that Americans are more focused on shopping deals than they are on gratitude.Has anyone besides me noticed the degree to which this year's Black Friday commercials have pushed Thanksgiving aside?It just seems wrong when we gear shift into discontent the day after we express gratitude for the things we already have.And in many stores this year Black Friday begins Thanksgiving morning!I know you can save lots of money with this setup. Last year my son got a great deal on a computer he really needed for college. Did the shopping overshadow his Thanksgiving? No. On Black Friday he got in, bought the computer, and got out—end of story and end of shopping. Thanksgiving activities were first on his mind, and he made a mean mashed potato side dish on Thanksgiving, which he is creating again today.The distance between gratitude and discontent depends on you—what you focus on in your mind and heart.So this year I'm ignoring Black Friday again in favor of this Thanksgiving offer:
Thanksgiving offer
- Family that celebrates the God who created us
- Food that represents God's provision
- Joy that can't be bought
- Memories that last a lifetime
- Gratitude that challenges greed
- Contentment with what I already have
Colossians 2:6-8 comes to mind:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Have a grateful, wonderful, contented, and overflowing Thanksgiving.Question: Do you think Black Friday fosters discontent? Share with us your thoughts."Jesus likes it when we share." -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody's brother, but you know . . . all of your friends would be nice.Related posts: Gratitude In the Right DirectionCelebrating Family by Connecting to the PastLast year John Knight wrote a great post on When the Whispers of Discontent Have No Chance over at Desiring God. Enjoy!