Thanksgiving 2021

~ Bookstooge
The First Thanksgiving in the 1620’s in New England

(this is copy of the post I released last year. Still thankful for the same things this year too)

Today is the day that Americans are supposed to give Thanks to God for the many blessings they have received over the past year, whether they deserved them or not. In this day and age of Commercialism, Covid19, Uncertainty and Fear, it is all the more important.

If you haven’t figured it out yet (or read my About page), I’m a committed Christian. In this context, it means that I’m specifically giving thanks to God and not just having the warm fuzzies while making general “thankful” noises to the universe at large.

Without Further Ado, I am thankful for:

Mrs Bookstooge! What a surprise, right? But seriously, without my wife my life would be so much harder, so much tougher, that I don’t contemplate it. Someday I’ll write up a post for how we met. It wouldn’t have happened without God’s intervention, that is for sure.

Work. You’ll notice there is a “Boo” in that pix. That’s how I feel about work sometimes. But at the exact same time I am thankful for it. I enjoy my work, for the most part (you all just tend to hear the bad stuff) and because of it we live comfortably. We’re not millionaires or even hundred-thousandaires, but all of our financial needs have been met this year and we don’t take that for granted. Because there have been years where work was scarce as gold.

Our Families. The majority of our families live far enough away that it takes something special for us to get together. Both Mrs B and I appreciate that our parents brought us up as Christians and continue to have a strong walk with God themselves.

Our Hobbies. While blogging isn’t on the above list, it should be. Thankfully, reading is. We’re both big readers and we appreciate that the other one understands. We’re both happiest sitting on the couch or lying in bed, reading next to each other.

Church. This year especially we’ve been very thankful for our church and church family. The leadership team has been committed to keep us meeting in person but also providing ways for those who don’t feel comfortable to see and hear the sermons live online. They have also made it a special point to use this time to bring us together as brothers and sisters in Christ instead of allowing things like wearing or not wearing a mask to divide us. It takes real wisdom to navigate those channels, especially when people feel very strongly on both sides of the issues. I don’t know what we would do if we couldn’t go to church for an extended period of time.

I think that is enough for now. God bless you all and may you find Peace in Christ Jesus.

39 thoughts on “Thanksgiving 2021”

    1. yeah, despite all of my complaining about certain managers, overall it is good and I like the work. It’s just hard to concentrate on that when you’re dealing with a person 😀

      That riftlessness was deliberate on both the leaders part and the congregation. There were very strong feelings on both sides but the leaders followed the law (and no more) and everyone held their tongue instead of shooting off their mouths. It’s amazing how much bad feelings can be avoided by not shouting your opinion into the general air like a shotgun blast 😀

      I realize Thanksgiving isn’t a thing where you are, but do you have anything similar?

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      1. Not really, although New Year´s Eve/Day, Christmas and Easter serve similarly as feasts bringing family together and people generally counting their blessings.

        Yes indeed, sometimes it´s better to just let things pass – respecting other peoples´ opinion goes a long way.

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      2. Also, most people live within an half hour or hour drive from their parents in Belgium, a 2 hour drive gets you cross country. So we tend to see our family on a much more regular basis. I see my parents every week, as well as my inlaws.

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  7. Happy Thanksgiving, mate! I hope you have a wonderful day. In Japan, New Year is the time families try to get together, usually returning to their hometown and spending time with parents and extended family. The New Year’s Day meal is a traditional feast. 🙂 There isn’t a harvest festival here.

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    1. Thanks Wak.
      Is it extra confusing for you, to be an ex-pat living in Japan with an international online group of friends?
      I’ve noticed it tends to be Americans who make the most noise about their holidays.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Not anymore, no. I’ve got used to it after 19 years. 😉 One thing I do really miss is that ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ level of “It’s Christmas!” feeling, if you get what I mean. It just isn’t the same over here. I used to feel it when I travelled back to the UK for Christmas to visit parents. But those days have passed, alas.

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    1. Being constantly thankful is a lifestyle choice with many benefits. Talking with BookForager and we were wishing there was some kind of world wide thanksgiving holiday. Make it easier for everyone….

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  13. In this day and age it’s somewhat of a rare (but welcome) sight to see some thank God before Amazon and other purveyors of Black Friday goods.

    We don’t celebrate over here in the UK, but I hope you and yours had a wonderful time 🙂

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    1. Thanks Swords.
      materialism is swallowing the world and people are embracing it with open arms. It hurts sometimes to watch 😦

      We had a good time with some neighbors from church, so we didn’t have to spend it alone, which is good 🙂

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  14. Pingback: November ’21 Roundup & Ramblings – Bookstooge's Reviews on the Road

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