Thanksgiving’s Dirty Little Secret
In the Beginning…
Back in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast.
It is believed that turkey was the main course because wild turkeys in North America were both abundant and delicious. This bit of history helped gain traction for Turkey as the traditional Thanksgiving main course.
And besides, it did not take long before folk realized you just can’t put STUFFING in a Ham. Score another point for the turkey.
MEANWHILE, BACK ON THE FARM
Thanksgiving is a time to ponder God’s blessings of family and friends, but back on the farm… THANKSGIVING IS A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET… especially among the poultry.
Thanksgiving is rarely a topic until November shows up on the calendar. Since most turkeys cannot read or afford a TV or smartphone, they sit around doing what Turkeys do until Farmer Brown selects one to ‘spend Thanksgiving dinner’ with the FAM. How considerate of Farmer Brown. To BE A PART?…
Hey, wait a minute. C’mon, Turkey, THINK! Being the ‘chosen one’ on Thanksgiving is NOT like ‘The Chosen’ drama about Jesus' life. Hey Tom the Turkey, Remember, Bob the Turkey was invited last year, and where is he now? Vacation? I don’t think so.
But at this point, Tom is a goner. Turkeys are quick on their feet. and they technically can fly, their flight pattern is short and pathetic… they look like a feathered beach ball with that goofy red thingy flopping under their chins… If turkeys have chins. Even among the other farm animals, a turkey’s hide-and-seek skills are openly mocked.
And again Farmer Brown did not choose Tom the Turkey as ‘Turkey-of-the-Month’. He will not get a plaque to hang in the barnyard, and that whole GOBBLE GOBBLE chatter was never an effective cry for help, even if he could dial 911.
Side Note: How can chickens and turkeys be so DELICIOUS while being so DUMB?
But that’s enough DEEP THOUGHTS about Tom the Turkey.
For those of us WHO ARE NOT TURKEYS, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to God for His care, blessings, and faithfulness.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“Give thanks in all circumstances”) and
Psalm 100:4 (“Enter his gates with thanksgiving”).
This morning, my wife and I were talking about a Thanksgiving weekend 42 years ago, when we ran into each other on Sunday evening after Thanksgiving. I was working at a convenience store while in school, and Mary stopped by for gas. We exchanged phone numbers and, as they say… THE REST IS HISTORY.
Now, after 41+ years of marriage, we have three grown kids and six grandkids. I am BLESSED, and THANKFUL does not begin to describe my heart. Life is full, and blessed though rarely easy. I love Mary more today than that day I said “I do.”
I pray this Thanksgiving was a great time for each of you with family and friends. Watch some football, put together a puzzle, and be sure NOT to stop at just one plate of food. One plate is for babies, and you are not a baby. And pumpkin pie… lots of pumpkin pie.
Blessings
Jeff
Q. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving Memory? Please share in the comment section below.
