The Thanksgiving Game—Something To Do With Your Family

from Patrick Morley

Volume 304
November 24, 2008

Times may be tough, but here’s an idea to draw out the best from your family on Thanksgiving Day.

When our children were teens, we drove to my parent’s home for Thanksgiving—about a one hour drive. My wife suggested we each say one thing for which we were thankful, and keep rotating until we ran out of ideas.

Would you believe it? An hour later we pulled into my parent’s driveway—still going strong. It was an overwhelming spiritual experience for all of us. It’s amazing how many things I took for granted. It was so encouraging to listen to my wife and children. Our family has never been the same. We received a spirit of gratitude that day that has never gone away.

Why not give it a try? You can do this in the car, in your family room, or after dinner while still at the table.

Why don’t you join me in a prayer of Thanksgiving….

Our dearest Father, we pause to humble ourselves and give you praise, glory, honor, and especially thanks. We acknowledge that you have given us one blessing after another. Even our troubles are the grace of God that keeps bringing us back to Jesus. We repent of all our sins. We turn to you, who alone can bind our wounds and heal our land. Thank you for our relationship with you, our families, our work, our health, our finances, and our service to others. Accept our deepest gratitude, O God. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Patrick Morley, Ph.D.