Most of us have a lot to be thankful for

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: By the Rev David Macartney, North Coast Parish, Church of Scotland

Our American friends will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. It is a non denominational harvest celebration, where families and friends gather to enjoy a large roast dinner, but prior to eating take turns to say what they are thankful for.

It is actually a practice that I think most of us would do well to adopt, not least because everyone likes a good meal with friends! But also because we can so often take the good things that we have for granted.

We do not celebrate a specific thanksgiving day in the UK but most churches still hold harvest services to thank God for the bountiful supplies of food that we can find to adorn our tables.

The habits have definitely changed somewhat over the years so that instead of people bringing in home-grown carrots and tatties to the services, these days it is a more common practice to ask members for long-life food and supplies to be taken to the closest food bank.

Those of us fortunate enough to have homes that we can heat, and food that we can eat, or even friends that we can meet, have a lot to be thankful for, and it is a privilege to be in a position where we can help others.

Given that we live in a world torn apart by conflict and illness, perhaps this week, whether you pray or not, take a moment to reflect on something that you are thankful for.

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