Is there a better reason to give thanks than for our families? I think not. They launch us into this world, hopefully prepared to navigate its treacherous turns and frightening potentials. They teach us social and behavioral acceptance, and assist us in ridding ourselves of selfishness and unfair prejudices. The family provides love and security and a healthy dose of self esteem.

If we are fortunate enough to be raised in a Christian family, we early learn of a redeeming Savior and that Jesus loves us. What an awesome opportunity to shape lives! E.G. White said that the child's experience with earthly parents gives a view of what God must be like.

The family provides lots of fun, too. Each member is unique, and therefore adds to the fun and diversity of interests. The family I grew up with was morally strict and surely conservative, but never oppressive. We had fun. We even looked forward to church each Sabbath as a special time of joy. Consequently, each member of our family held elective office in the local church, and several went on to administrative offices in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

I remember what a special time we had on Thanksgiving Day each year. Food, of course, was a very important part of the celebration. I actually assisted my mother in making gluten loaf. I was allowed to crank the handle of the food grinder as Momma fed in the nuts, celery, onions, and gluten in turn. She shaped the loaf into a giant turkey with popsicle sticks for drumsticks.

I wish you could have heard the blessings that my daddy pronounced over those Thanksgiving dinners! As a little kid it sounded to me as if God, Himself, had provided and cooked every morsel of food we were about to eat. It looked and tasted good enough for our heavenly Father to have prepared it all.

There were pies and cakes and puddings. Candied yams and collard greens had honored positions on the big, groaning table. Cornbread and homemade dinner rolls competed for our attention. We drank fresh-squeezed lemonade from Mason jars because no formal dinner glass was adequate.

Momma and Daddy have long since fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, but I look forward to this Thanksgiving Day 2007 because of all the ideas and ideals that they engendered in our family. What about you? Call your mom and dad, call a sister or brother, and call someone who has no family. Make it a real time of thanksgiving. Be sure to count your blessings. Start early, because there are lots of them. Happy Thanksgiving!