They don’t call us Methodists for nothing.  If we’re going to do something, we want to do it right.  So, if we’re going to celebrate Thanksgiving, we ought to be sure we cover all the bases.  Therefore, I would like to share with you some of the official rules for the observance of Thanksgiving.  Put this on your refrigerator; review these rules with your family.  Get it right.

Rule Number 1: Thanksgiving Day shall be a holiday.  That means you’re supposed to take the day off and put aside any task unnecessary to the celebration itself.   Really.  Spend time with family and friends; leave your work at work.

There are, of course, exceptions to this rule—people such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, doctors and nurses, who must work for the public good—but these are the only ones!  The rest of you take a break.

Rule Number 2: You shall pause as you take the day off to give thanks for these people who must work on a holiday, as well as for those other selfless people who give of their time, resources and energy to feed the hungry and care for others.

Rule Number 3: Families shall find time to talk.  If you are a grandparent, you shall talk to your grandchildren, sharing lessons from your own life.  Be it known, however, that for every story about how bad it was or how poor you were or how far you had to walk to school, you must also tell of something that brought you joy.

Furthermore, grandchildren shall sit and listen to their grandparents without rolling their eyes even once.

Rule Number 4: On this holiday you shall find some time to think—about your life, your family, your church and your relationship to your Lord.  You will think about the miracles that fill you days, the beauty of the world around you and the people who have made you who you are.

Rule Number 5: After you think, you shall thank.  Thank God for those people and things listed above and whatever else you can come up with.

Rule Number 6: Pray—not in a sense of panic, not asking for anything, but with a listening ear, ready to hear of the needs of others and respond.

There are, of course, pages and pages of other rules for Thanksgiving (See the Discipline, paragraphs 3001-7048), but I will close with just one more:

Rule Number 190: Life is good.  Give thanks.

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