Be a T.U.R.K.E.Y This Thanksgiving

If you make your way to our children’s ministry area in the month of November, you’ll probably hear the kids singing “Don’t be a Turkey!”—a crowd favorite for sure!  The song has a silly dancing turkey with a funny cowboy singer, reminding us to be “thankful in your heart for everything,” rather than being a turkey and forgetting to thank God for all he does for us.  But this year, I want to challenge us to be a different kind of “turkey.”T—take the time to thank someone each dayU—use your skills and gifts to help someone each dayR—relax and spend time with God, family, and friends each dayK—kindness and caring are always good ideasE—encourage others with your words each dayY—you can be the light of Jesus in the world each daySome of you may remember the “Thankful Pumpkin” idea from last year.  This is another great way to remind us to be thankful each day. All you need is a large pumpkin and a marker.  Each day write something you are thankful for on the pumpkin. This is a great family activity—and something extended family can be a part of when visiting for Thanksgiving.  If you don’t have a pumpkin, you can also write your list on a large piece of craft paper that can be used as your Thanksgiving tablecloth. Young children can even draw pictures of what they are thankful for.We are never too young or too old to thank God for his blessings, love, faithfulness, and grace.  “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 106