As I write this, the day is passed. Thanksgiving in America. We’ve had our family get-togethers, our football games or our special movies. We’ve had too much to eat, maybe too much to drink.

For most of us, we’ve done everything except acknowledge the theme of this special day. In all the commotion of this “celebration,” we’ve forgotten to embrace and understand the concept of giving thanks. Oh, maybe we said a token prayer at the diner table, but was it accurate? Was it sincere?

Thanks – giving.

Thanks to who, for what?

The answer to both questions is simple.

We all know the story of what is described as the first Thanksgiving feast shared between Native Americans and European settlers. While the accuracy of the story might be in dispute, it was essentially a gathering and celebration of friendship between the two peoples.

Over the course of years, Thanksgiving became a tradition, an annual moment of recognition of the blessings in life. Beginning with President Lincoln, Thanksgiving became an annually “proclaimed” holiday until President Roosevelt issued an official proclamation in 1942 designating the fourth Thursday in November as “Thanksgiving.”

Strangely enough, Roosevelt’s action was more of an economic stimulus act than a religious or spiritual acknowledgment.

So, what about those questions?

Perhaps the day after “Thanksgiving” is when we truly need to reflect on its meaning.

We might start with appreciation for being alive another day. Even those of us with limited resources can appreciate that. Perhaps we can appreciate the food on our table and the comradery of family and friends and the opportunity to gather together.

Most of us, if we take the time and make the effort, can expand on this list exponentially.

And the second question? To whom do we express our thanks?

Most of us, regardless of the level or the label of our spiritual beliefs, can find only one answer. If we are to acknowledge one universal source of our existence and blessings, it must be that universal and all-powerful force we call God.

Perhaps our appreciation for all we have is best expressed in a line from the Bible – 2 Cor. 13:14)  “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”

If today is the day we fully understand and act accordingly, perhaps we could call it Thanksgiving2.