Is it ironic to anyone else that the day after we are supposed to be “Thankful” we over extend ourselves to get a “carful” of stuff? Black Friday is once again coming. This time much sooner than ever. Unbelievably I read that many retailers are opening ON thanksgiving to maximize sales. The saddest part – many consumers are dying to take advantage of this strategy.

So I guess the plan is to eliminate the “Thanksgiving” part altogether and barrel straight into “Getting” part. What is going on? I like Black Friday sales as much as the next guy but this is going TOO FAR!

What about the Retail employees who now need to adjust their holiday plans with family to staff the stores of these faceless monsters of retail?
What about the message we send to our children every year that what’s really important is more things?
What about the fact that THE holiday meant for family time ends up with us chasing the latest gadget to take us away from our family?

We have lost our soul.

I have an idea – “TIME OUT!”

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Sure, enjoy the shopping season as you seek to give – but don’t go overboard! I guarantee whatever “deal” you miss out on today will be on a Craigslist ad tomorrow. And for much less!

Don’t let the system take you out of the “spirit” of this season. Sit down, think, let the goodness of God in your life turn into thankfulness – not get-fullness.

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Happy THANKSGIVING, have fun shopping, don’t stop WORSHIPPING.