“You’ve got to be kidding!”–That was my response to a headline that said,”Calculate Your Calories This Thanksgiving”. The writer was dead serious about this and had prepared a table showing the caloric consumption for several of our favorite Thanksgiving foods.
It’s bad enough that we have to put up with “Scrooge” at Christmas, we don’t need Calorie Counters at Thanksgiving! We could describe Thanksgiving in a lot of ways, such as the fellow who said it’s when the stuffing is moved from one turkey to another! That, of course, is another way of saying that it’s all about the food. I agree–it shouldn’t be that way, but we’re trying to be honest. Right?
Speaking of “stuffing”, did you know that it has quite a history behind it? I recently ran across this informative article by David Jeremiah:
The oldest references to stuffing are in ancient Roman cookbooks that talk about vegetables, herbs, spices, and cereal being combined and “stuffed” into chicken, rabbits, and pigs. Romans also added liver and brains to their stuffing. Stuffing has appeared in cookbooks ever since and was quite popular at Medieval banquets. The sensibilities of the Victorians resisted the word “stuffing,” substituting the more delicate word “dressing,” a term that caught on in the Southern United States.
The word “stuff” means to cram full. For example, after we’ve had our fill of turkey, beans, potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce (and stuffing), we’ll lean back in our chairs and say, “I’m stuffed.”
Now, you can do with that what you will, but I’m convinced that some folks are too “spiritual” for their own good. They make themselves and everyone around them miserable. Here’s my advice, for what it’s worth,—enjoy the day! You are not a glutton just because you “stuff” yourself on appropriate occasions. Read your Bible–God taught His people to feast on occasion. So, He not only allows it, He expects it. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems to me that it can be an expression of gratitude to relish what God has graciouly provided. After all, how would the cook feel if you just picked at your food, consuming only a few bites? From my experience, it is far more likely to bring a smile, rather than a frown, to her face when you ask for a second helping. Don’t make yourself sick, but don’t let some stick-in -the-mud rob you of your joy. Remember that “the living God—giveth us richly all things to enjoy”.(1 Timothy 6:17). So, help yourself.
In these troubled times we’ve got more than enough things to make us sad without counting calories at Thanksgiving. Forget that nonsense–loosen your belt and get another piece of pie. Make the experience something the kids will enjoy and remember. From my heart to your house, Happy Thanksgiving! –Bro. Stone
PS “Pass the biscuits please!”
We bless the Lord, the just, the good, who fills our hearts with joy and food; who pours His blessing from the skies, and loads our days with rich supplies.
Isaac Watts
