The Thanksgiving Thank You Game

Everyone gathered in our spacious living room that memorable Thanksgiving Day. The irresistible smell of pumpkin pie mingled with roasted turkey and sweet potato casserole. Bright sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the backyard garden where pink and white azaleas bloomed.

All my children had made the trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where my husband Ken and I had recently retired. Andy came down from Montgomery where he was a police officer. Susan and her husband Jeff came from Jackson, Mississippi, where they both taught school. Stephanie, my youngest daughter who studied nursing at Ole Miss rode down with them.

Something Isn't Right

“Mom,” Stephanie called earlier that afternoon, “can you come upstairs for a minute?”

I put the stuffing in the oven and ran up to see what she needed. “Mom, I’m a little bit worried about Susan, and I wanted to talk to you privately,” she said when I entered her room.

“Why do you say that, Honey?” I asked.

“She just doesn’t seem like she’s feeling well. She’s super tired all the time. Mom, I think something may be really wrong, but I don’t think she’ll listen to me. I’m just her little sister, and she never thinks I know what I’m talking about.” Stephanie continued, “Just watch her this weekend, and you’ll see what I mean. She’s just not herself, Mom; I’m really worried.”

As we talked, I thought about how Susan went to bed early on Wednesday night and hadn’t wanted to eat any breakfast this morning. “Why don’t we take a few minutes to pray for her and ask God for wisdom,” I said.

“That’s a great idea, Mom,” replied Stephanie.

“Lord,” I prayed, “You know what’s going on with Susan. Please bless her with good health and give us wisdom to know why she’s so tired.”

The last year was full of ups and downs for Susan and Jeff. In February they announced they were expecting our first grandchild, but just two months later Susan had a miscarriage at 11 weeks. She was devastated and struggled with depression for several months. Susan taught AP English to high school seniors, so she always had papers to grade and often worked until midnight. She also coached the JV cheerleaders, so it was no wonder she was exhausted.

Just then I heard Susan coming out of the bathroom. She caught my eye and said, “Mom, I’m just not sure how much I’ll be able to eat. I’m not feeling great. I’m so sorry. I’m going to lie down for a few minutes, but I’ll be down in time for our Thank Yous!”

“Okay, Honey. Are you sick? I’m concerned about you. Maybe you need to go to the doctor.”

“No, Mom, I’m fine. I’m just tired. I’ve had a busy week,” she said as she closed her bedroom door.

Our Thanksgiving Thank Yous

As I walked back downstairs, I thought about our favorite Thanksgiving tradition that we began when the children were little. We called it “The Thanksgiving Thank Yous.” We all held hands, and every person present shared one reason they wanted to say “Thank You” to the Lord. It all began when Susan was four and Andy was two. She wasn’t feeling well that Thanksgiving, and had been in a grumpy mood all morning. She complained about everything that day until my wise mother who was spending the holiday with us suggested the Thank You Game. It was a hit and immediately became our favorite family tradition.

Our Thank Yous over the years had brought both laughter and tears. That first year Susan was thankful for her new American Girl doll. Andy was thankful for his Sissy. I remember the year that Stephanie was born, Andy was thankful he wasn’t the baby anymore. Several years ago Ken and I used our Thank You to announce our plans for a family Christmas cruise. The year my mom died, I had a hard time finding a Thank You, but I finally said “Thank You, Lord, that my mom is enjoying Your presence.”

At 3:00 Ken called everyone to gather in the living room. It was time! We held hands, and Ken started. “Thank You, Lord, for our new home and church here in Gulf Shores. I wasn’t sure how retirement would be, and it has been wonderful so far.”

I went next. “Thank You, Lord, for my volunteer work as a case worker at the Christian Service Center. I’m so blessed every time I work and have the chance to touch someone’s life.”

Andy was next to me. He said, “Thank You, Lord, for letting me qualify as a K-9 officer. You know how badly I’ve wanted to do that, and I’m so excited about the coming year.”

Stephanie chimed in next. “Thank You, Lord, that my roommate Ann accepted Jesus this semester. Help me continue to disciple her and help her grow in You.” We were all overjoyed to hear about Ann’s decision since Stephanie had asked us to pray for her for the last year and a half.

Jeff and Susan were last. Jeff spoke first, “Thank You, Lord, for the new principal at our school who has supported our staff far more than his predecessor. This has been the best year we’ve ever had!”

Finally, it was Susan’s turn. “Thank You, Lord,” she began quietly, pausing as she got emotional. I immediately thought she was about to tell us what was wrong. My mind raced. Did she have cancer? Was she fighting an immune disorder?

She blew her nose as Jeff hugged her and encouraged her to continue. “Thank You, Lord, for the baby girl growing in my womb. Thank you that we are past the first trimester, and this baby is growing well.”

Pandemonium broke loose as we all hugged her and cried with joy. It was no wonder she was exhausted! Together we bowed our heads as Ken prayed, thanking the Lord for the best Thank You imaginable!