Today I Ieft my office to get something to eat. McDonald's had a line going down the Post Road, Trader Joe's parking lot was mayhem, and the traffic on the Post Road was almost bumper to bumper. If I could have looked into the cars, I probably would have seen the drivers' faces looking desperate. There was a worried and harried feeling I could sense (and my sermon tonight is about worry!). 

It is not quite the attitude that Thanksgiving is supposed to generate.

As I drove around I listened to a radio program on Thanksgiving. One of the participants said, "Don't let the turkey and Thanksgiving overwhelm you. Today's program is about facing Thanksgiving one decision at a time."

This wonderful day that brings families together and offers the opportunity to overeat is another example of what I would call "Thanksgiving anxiety". Add to that the stress of having everyone together and getting along...

My advice is always simple. Thanksgiving is a time to realize how privileged you are and how much you have to be thankful for. It's not just the food or the football games, but it's the people, it's all the opportunities you have, knowing there are so many who have so much less, whose lives are torn apart by war and violence and poverty.

So, before you toast one another and dig into the turkey, stop for a moment, say grace, and pray for others.

Happy Thanksgiving!