Everyday should be Thanksgiving!

Introduction

The recent decision by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to cancel the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving as a public holiday has created an uproar among some residents. For me, the cancellation of this holiday is not a cause for alarm. What I find alarming is that the silence that surrounded the same sex marriage court case.  The bible clearly states that marriage is between a man and a woman. The bible does not say we have to have a holiday for a day or prayer and thanksgiving. In fact, the word of God urges us to pray and be thankful always.  

It is difficult to argue for the preservation of this holiday when those entrusted to defend sacred principles retreat at critical moments. Just as some leaders openly oppose cancelling the holiday, they should also publicly stand for their core biblical convictions, clearly and confidently.

Background to the holiday

It was in 2014 when the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was first declared a public holiday on the fourth Friday in November. The Government wanted a day set aside for the residents to come together and pray and give thanks. While the idea was a good initiative, it really did not meet the purpose. Ironically, this holiday was set the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday. While the powers to be at that time said setting the day after the American holiday was not intentional but quite frankly many of us used it as an opportunity to travel to America.

Everyday should be Thanksgiving

It is important that we consistently encourage one another to express gratitude each day. Gratitude is not seasonal, nor should prayer be scheduled only on our church schedule. These are daily responsibilities expressed in how we treat one another, how we face hardship, and how we acknowledge blessings both big and small.

A Christian nation does not wait for permission to give thanks. It does not rely on tradition or a holiday to remind it who it is. If we are serious about our christian faith, unity, and national character, then every single day, not just one must be lived with intention, humility, and thanksgiving.

Our holidays are becoming just routine

I often notice the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving feels routine rather than meaningful.  Let us face the reality that most of our public holidays turn into little more than a day off from work, disconnected from its original purpose. When thankfulness depends on a designated date, its power is weakened.

Conclusion

I hope the cancellation of the holiday is an opportunity or a challenge for us to reclaim personal responsibility for giving thanks and to moving away from symbolism and into daily practice. Prayer and thanksgiving belong in homes, hearts, and communities long before it belongs on a public calendar.

Finally, If the removal of a single holiday weakens our sense of thankfulness, then the problem is not the cancellation, it is the shallowness of our practice.