PREPARATION

In spite of all the video games, TV, texting, constant snacking and occasional complaining, when asked what they are thankful for, kids are candid and clear.

Along with family and soldiers and mashed potatoes, 6th grader Cody is thankful for his friend: "Kathryn is always there for me when I’m sad or upset. Whenever I am in a bad mood, she always finds a way to make me smile and laugh. Kathryn inspires me to try new things and when I do, I love it! She told me that horseback riding is really fun. I am now in riding lessons with her and it’s a blast! If I am ever in a predicament, she always helps me solve it. She’s my best friend! Thank God for best friends."

Think again about your best friends. Who are they? Why do you count them as best friends? Do they know it?
 

INSPIRATION

Real people who are thankful for real friends:

"I am thankful for my good friend Devin, who passed away about six months ago. He was an amazing person who truly loved life. He taught me so many things not just about life but also about me. He believed that people truly can accomplish and do great things in life if they believed in themselves. Devin never gave up and never wanted me or anyone else to either."
Ashley

"I am thankful for my best friend because no matter what is going on, she seems to care 100%. And when anything happens to her, good or bad, she can trust me. She’s been through a lot in her life, a lot people have, but I love how we can talk about anything and know what to do about it. Together."
Molly

"I am thankful that I have such a great best friend, who, while I was in the hospital for the past week, sent me a PM, sometimes 2, every day I was away. He knows who he is."

What would your Best Friend message be?

MOTIVATION

It’s the tradition in America to offer a prayer before the Thanksgiving feast begins. Let’s reclaim that tradition and make the Thanksgiving prayer one that still echoes in our hearts long after the last Amen.

• Write it out. 
• Keep it short. 
• Make it personal.

Need a place to start… how about these words?  

&quotear God, when we have more than enough food on our table, help us to remember those who have nothing. When we have jobs, help us to remember the jobless. When we have a home and family help us remember the homeless. When we are without pain, help us to remember those who live with pain everyday. But God, help us do more than remember these people, help this family to make them friends.”