Since we are missionaries to the Deaf, I want to share with you our Thanksgiving tradition using Sign Language. Thanksgiving means giving thanks. Thanksgiving is a time to think and thank. So how do you sign “think” and “thank?” Think: (left index finger) touch your left forehead. Thank: (right open hand touch your lips) then bring a few inches from your mouth. Now, try it! As you touch your left forehead say “think.” Keep your finger on your forehead as you drop your hand from your lips, say “Thank” then openly say what you are thankful for. As you “think,” it will make you “thank.” Now let others join in to also sign “think” and “thank” then name thankful things..
Following are twelve guidelines to help us as we think and thank.
- Think of what you have and cease not to be thank God (Eph. 1:16).
- Think about being content with what things you have (Phil. 4:11).
- Think of your family and friends. Pray for them. Love them. They need you and you need them. Let them know you are thankful for them (1Cor. 1:4).
- Think of others. Do a kind act for that special someone today (2Tim. 1:16).
- Think of God’s blessings and benefits each day (Psa. 103:2).
- Think positive thoughts and avoid all negative thoughts (Phil. 4:8).
- Think about making a difference in the life of someone this day (Psa. 118:24).
- Think about letting your thankfulness be known to all men at all times (Phil. 4:5).
- Think of people. Don’t love things, but love people. The best things in life are not things, but people. Love is your greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13).
- Think and Thank God for eternal things above in Heavenly places (Col. 3:1).
- Think of this day. You still have life to share it with your family and friends. You have breath, so praise Him for the great things He hath done (Psa. 150:6).
- Seek to build good memories. Things in life change, but good memories remain. Make the days ahead the best you have ever known. Do it! (Phil. 4:9). As you think of these twelve things, continually think of the Lord and give Him thanks. There is no substitute for the peace or the presence of God that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
A Thanksgiving Tradition: Have a “think” and “thank” time. Everyone write on cards at least two things you are thankful for and then place all of them unsigned in a basket. After this is done, pass the basket for each person to pull an unsigned card from the basket and read it aloud. Then everyone tries to guess who wrote it. Take time to discuss the blessings and memories from the cards. Continue until the cards are all read. Thanksgiving is giving thanks. You cannot gripe and be grateful at the same time.
Everyone should be more thankful – everyone. Even the Lord appreciates your thankfulness. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20). This is a time to “think” and “thank.”
(Please feel free to forward to others as the Lord touches your heart.)
To learn sign language click here.
