This is the time of year when we Americans put a special emphasis on giving thanks. Although God commands us to be grateful in all circumstances and at all times, the Thanksgiving holiday prompts us to count our blessings in a more forthright way than perhaps any other season.
It’s always right and good to give thanks to God. But where does one start? I guess that depends upon how much you have to be grateful for. Or how creative you are in making your list of blessings to be counted.
Family… of course. Parents… for sure. Children, yes… even when they drive you crazy as teenagers. Good health… always. Grandchildren? They’re the best! Friends… without a doubt. God’s great provisions that we take for granted… food, shelter, and a pillow to lay your head on… definitely. Answers to prayer… now, there's one to consider. My soul expands when I stop to consider all the prayers I've had answered over the years. But, most importantly, let's not forget the greatest gift any of us have ever received: our savior, Jesus Christ, and the free gift of salvation for those who choose to receive it. The words “gratitude” and “thanksgiving” don’t feel big enough. But what would a prayer of thanksgiving be without mentioning Jesus?
In addition to the things mentioned above, I'm also grateful for movies that warm the heart and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving.
We all have our favorites. One of the movies that I associate with Thanksgiving—for the obvious reason that it involves one man’s desire to get home to his family to celebrate the holiday— is “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” starring Steve Martin and John Candy and directed by John Hughes.
But parents, be forewarned: I can only recommend the “edited for television” version. If you make popcorn and sit down with the little ones to watch the as-released-in-theaters-version, you’re going to find your ears burning at some of the choice words— actually, one in particular— that Steve Martin’s character, Neal Page, has for a rental car agent (played by Edie McClurg) who is gratingly cheerful and oblivious to Neal’s mishaps and challenges in trying to locate his rental car. Funny as it may be... it is also foul and flagrantly offensive, filled with fortuitous words decidedly unfriendly for families.
When I was 10 years old, I had to spend a few nights in the hospital with pneumonia right around Thanksgiving. Not an enjoyable experience, especially because I never really felt sick. I can remember feeling like my life had taken a tragic turn— I was confined to a hospital bed when I wanted to be home enjoying family, football and fun— when my Dad and I happened upon a made-for-tv movie on the tiny television in the corner of the room. The movie was called “It Happened One Christmas” and starred Marlo Thomas. Her character, Mary Bailey Hatch, is the head of a Building and Loan in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. An angel gives her the extraordinary opportunity to see what life for those around her would have been like had she never been born.
Sound familiar?
I didn’t know it back in 1977 but that ABC Friday Night Movie that I watched with my father was a re-telling of the Frank Capra classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” So you can imagine my déjà vu when I found myself watching the original black & white version on television years later in high school on, of all days, Thanksgiving Day. Not only did the story “feel” familiar… it reminded me of my stay in the hospital years earlier and renewed my sense of gratitude for my many blessings, including but not limited to, not having to spend the holiday in the hospital.
I'll always have a fondness for "It Happened One Christmas," borne out of nostalgia for a moment in time spent with my Dad, who kept me from feeling lonely by watching that movie in my hospital room with me. But as far as the colorized retelling of George Bailey's fateful encounter with an angel named Clarence goes... well, comparing "It's a Wonderful Life" to the low-budget television re-make would be like comparing a stuffed, savory roasted turkey with an over-processed chicken sandwich from McDonald's. They're both poultry, I guess, but not really the same quality. One person's comment on IMDB.com comparing the two states that “if you like the one, you’ll like the other. But if you didn’t like the Jimmy Stewart original… you won’t like 'It Happened One Christmas'.” Personally, I can’t imagine disliking Frank Capra’s touching classic from 1946, but hey… I can’t imagine people not liking turkey for their Thanksgiving meal. (But I know there are some who don't.) To each his own.
As you gather with family or friends to stuff yourself with turkey (or your preferred entrée) this holiday season, I hope and pray that, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you will find something— and hopefully, someone— to be thankful for.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (NIV)
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)
If you’re looking for a good “Thanksgiving Movie” to watch, below is an interesting list from IMDB.com. But, to be clear, these are not my recommendations. My advice would be to break out the kleenex and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Or, if you’re nostalgic for 1970’s made-for-tv fare, give “It Happened One Christmas” a try. (It’s available on YouTube, but there will be commercials; just as there were back in '77.) What I love about both stories is that George and Mary experience a direct answer to their prayers. And they are forever changed by that answer.
As an elementary school teacher of mine was fond of saying: "Bad attitude? Try gratitude." What better way to be inspired to be more grateful than to watch a movie that leaves you feeling like yours is truly a wonderful life. Happy Thanksgiving!
Good article about Thanksgiving:
What's your favorite Thanksgiving movie? (Leave it in the Comments section below.)
(East channel lighthouse, Grand Island, Michigan)
Happy Thanksgiving to You!
I like miracle mollie
Scent of a Woman is a good movie that takes place over Thanksgiving.