There’s nothing new in the title for this time of year I suppose but I was thinking, “what’s different about this Thanksgiving from those in the past?”  I’ve been reading some blogs from some of my friends and random people that I follow on twitter.  I think it is pretty common that most of us focus on what we are thankful for.  We are thankful for our health and the health of our family.  We’re thankful to have a job and a roof over our head.  We are thankful that our children have grown up to be successful and Godly men and women.  The list goes on and on: food, clothing, the ability to see, hear and speak, talents, etc.  If you have never struggled either physically or financially, it’s easy to take these things for granted. So, I suppose we should all be thankful that there is a Thanksgiving holiday to remind us to be thankful.  One of the first Thanksgiving celebration’s was held in 1621 when the colonist and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast.  But it took over 200 years for the Thanksgiving holiday to become an American event when during the Civil War President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be held during November.  The traditions of having turkey and corn came from the harvest feast dating back to the 1600’s.  And reflecting on being thankful I believe is what Lincoln had in mind in trying to bring the Country together as one nation during a time of war.  But, this year I chose to focus on the later part of Thanksgiving and that is the “giving” part.  We tend to lose sight of that maybe because Christmas is just around the corner and that is what most American’s focus on during the Christmas season.  The giving of gifts symbolizes the gifts that were brought to Christ at his birth.  But at Thanksgiving I choose to take time to look for ways to give of myself so that someone else may have something to be thankful for.  Maybe there is a child in a hospital and their parents and doctors have little hope for their survival.  Can I volunteer to read a book to that child to bring a smile on their face?  Maybe there is a single mother who needs someone to repair a broken window so the cold air doesn’t come into the house.  Maybe there is a widow who is lonely and needs a visit from someone who cares.  This is giving and can be a great way to use the talents and blessings that you are so thankful for!  The price can be high.  It involves time.  Time away from your busy schedule to help someone else.  But it can be the best time you spend this year.  Think about it.  And spread a little thankfulness around this year!