As your pumpkins begin to melt, it’s time to think about one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. I’m talking, of course, about gorging yourself into a three-day turkey-induced food coma. Second to that however, is taking time to give to others.
Thanksgiving (for those in the U.S.) is a time to be grateful for the many things we have in our lives, and it’s the perfect opportunity to give back. Odds are, if you’re reading this, you’re living quite comfortably. Be sure to take some time to remember those who are in need both in and outside of this country.
Do you know of a local food bank or soup kitchen? Donate some canned goods (or boxes of mac and cheese), or your time. Is there a local family that seems to be having trouble making ends meet? Donate a Thanksgiving dinner to them (or dinner once a week/month), or help them with yard work. Is there a nursing/personal care home full of lonely elderly people? Play cards with them, or give them a manicure this holiday season.
Does your church provide clean water to a village in another country? Find out how you can help. Do you know of an organization that sponsors a child in a third world? Adopt one. Are there police officers, paramedics, fire fighters, nurses or doctors in your community working tirelessly on Thanksgiving or Christmas Days while their families are at home? Take some time to drive over and brighten their days with cookies, candy, or cheese.
This Thanksgiving as you’re riding the candied yam coaster, remember to be grateful and to think about those who are less fortunate.
A Peak Inside 
Good post. On Thanksgiving day, I literally was waiting for a ride to dinner with a pumpkin pie in hand when a guy came to dig through our trash bins and started to beg for cash or even just a piece of bread from my friend and I. There is so much of this here in Pretoria, South Africa (and sadly, sometimes good reason for caution) that I’m sad to say we were not more quick to offer him anything, though eventually he got something.
It can be overwhelming to think of all the need that surrounds us when we open our eyes to it. But that only demands we remain dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know how to serve others, which is a good thing. It can be tempting to either be guilt-induced into giving help to others or hardened in your heart to the point of numb apathy.
You are right about how many ways are available for us to serve and give to others – I am thankful that often God simply calls us to just be faithful to respond to the one way that he may highlight and bring across our path, and that he gives the empowerment to follow through. He does not need us, but yet he chooses to often work through us. Being included in any small piece of God’s big story is a privilege and only possible by his Spirit working in and through us.
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