Happy Thanksgiving 2024
Today is Thanksgiving in Canada, one of my favorite holidays. When we’re home, I love making homemade cranberry sauce to complement my wife’s spicy turkey. We stuff the turkey with fresh green apples before roasting it and mix in ground habanero peppers for an extra kick. The crispness of the green apples beautifully contrasts the savory turkey, and together, they create a delightful flavor profile that we can’t resist.
My cranberry sauce is a family favorite, adapted from several recipes over the years. For a 340g bag of cranberries, I use just half the recommended amount of brown sugar—1 cup—along with two sticks of cinnamon, a handful of cloves, fresh orange zest, and a sprinkle of my secret spices. This sauce is so beloved that long after Thanksgiving, we enjoy it as a jam or a flavorful addition to other dishes.
Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart, not just for the food but for the memories it brings. Growing up in Nigeria, we celebrated a similar festival called Harvest. October is also my birthday month, which adds to the significance of this time. This holiday reminds me of Deuteronomy 8:17-18, where Moses warns us against pride and urges us to remember our dependence on God: “He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own power and strength.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
This verse resonates deeply, reminding me to stay humble and grateful as I navigate life’s journey.
This year, my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Cartagena, Colombia, during Thanksgiving. Sitting on our balcony at dawn, overlooking the serene beach, I’m struck by the magnificence of creation. The fresh air, the clarity of the water, and the vastness of the ocean all serve as reminders of God’s artistry. I’m in awe of the beauty around me. Who told the ocean where to stop?
This experience also casts a light on the stark realities of poverty around the world. In the weeks leading up to this trip, I found myself preoccupied with ways to supplement my income. Yet, amidst the beauty and culture of Cartagena, I’ve been reminded of my own blessings. Though my income may not be where I want it to be, I’m learning to appreciate my blessings.
I feel grateful for what I have.
I once read that we should “respect our bodies and treat good health as a priceless gift.” It’s easy to take life’s simple joys for granted, overlooking their true value. I think of those in hospitals battling illnesses that wealth cannot cure, or those surviving on less than a dollar a day, yet finding resilience in their circumstances. Even the weather, while sometimes challenging, I try to remember how essential it is for our farmers and the earth’s cycles.
Today, and every day, I thank God for life, good health, and all of life’s comforts. I am thankful for the air I breathe, for my family, for this experience, and for the friends who helped us financially to cover part of the cost of this trip. I am blessed to have my faith, a beautiful family, quality relationships, and a job where I can serve people and feel that I am making a difference. I thank God for my life. And I am especially thankful for my mum and sister who are selflessly looking after our children, allowing us to take this refreshing break and to celebrate our 10-year marriage anniversary.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of today—life, health, joy, laughter, and family. I commit this day into your hands and ask for your guidance in every endeavor. Help us navigate opportunities that align with your purpose for our lives. We pray for wisdom in our careers and for discernment in our business and investment choices. Grant us the insight to lead our children in a way that they may ultimately serve you. Amen.
Reflection:
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Share your gratitude with someone special in your life. Let’s make the spirit of thanksgiving a part of our daily lives—because gratitude has the power to transform us and those around us.
