HAPPY THANKSGIVING (I dedicate this to my "whole" family)

It is Thanksgiving week. I love this holiday because it remains one of the "purest" holidays of all. Commercialism has taken over the true meaning of many of our holidays, especially Christmas.  But Thanksgiving remains as the true family day.  We all gather together as families, enjoy a feast of all times, great family chats and reminiscing with one another.  There is no other agenda except the family gathering and perhaps football.  I really love this about Thanksgiving.
I often remember the times growing up when the "whole" family was together.  I mean ALL, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins.  We would have a wonderful time as kids listening to the old stories our parents, aunts, and uncles would tell. That is one thing I truly miss about those days when we were kids.  For us, our parents have moved on to their eternal home with our Lord Jesus, as well as most aunts and uncles. As for the extended family of cousins, we have moved on to our own families and we live hundreds of miles apart.  But I will say, I remember those days and miss being with them all.
My husband and I have our brothers and sisters, whom we cherish, and our son and daughter-in-love, along with our nieces.  Our son and his lovely wife are in Texas with their family that live there.  So we truly miss having them here.
Our sister Carol and brother-in-love Don are still down in NYC while Don recuperates from the stem cell transplant.  Incidentally, Don is doing amazing.  We thank you all for your prayers.  They will be truly missed but we are all especially thankful for his health.
So while we all have our own traditions on Thanksgiving, I know we all share one thing in common, the love for our families. But now I'd like to challenge us all.  Let's not stop there.  Let us remember why we have Thanksgiving.  The original founding Fathers of our country were thankful for God, and His protection over them and their families, and the supply of the harvest to supply their food for the coming winter.  And for the freedom we have in this country to worship God the way we choose.
This country just went through an election.  So many out there have criticized one another, hatred has seemed to return, along with racism. I challenge you all, put aside your differences, especially for Thanksgiving.  Join your family, whether you agree with their views or not. And give thanks to our Father God for allowing us to be free, for providing the food to nourish our bodies, the jobs to provide for our families.
There is so much to be thankful for, I truly pray bitterness does not ruin your day.
So faithful readers, I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't feel guilty about how much you eat, it is the one day of the year we celebrate "food".
God Bless You,
Kathryn