Where are the mashed potatoes?
November 22, 2018
I had some “emotions” while watching the Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving this year. Even though I have seen it about 25 times, out of the 45 years of airing it, I do not remember being a little “put out” by Peppermint Patty. First she invited herself to “Chuck’s” house for Thanksgiving, and if that weren’t enough, she had some strong opinions about the meal Snoopy and Woodstock prepared. Click below if you’d like to see their culinary talents in action:
Once they were all gathered around the ping pong table in the backyard, grace was said and Snoopy served up the buttered toast, jellybeans, pretzel sticks, and popcorn! Immediately Peppermint Patty bellowed, somewhat aggressively, “Where are the mashed potatoes? Where is the cranberry sauce?” She felt they should have been served a REAL Thanksgiving dinner. And it was at that point that I experienced some “emotions” towards Peppermint Patty. She lacked an attitude of gratitude!
Of course the cartoon goes on to proclaim the real reason for Thanksgiving. It is being together which matters most, even if it is at a table of popcorn and pretzel sticks sans potatoes!
Quite a few years ago, author and journalist, John Tierney, wrote at NY Times article referring to Thanksgiving as, “the most psychologically correct holiday of the year.” Tierney referenced psychologists who had discovered that thankfulness has been linked to kinder behavior toward others, sounder sleep, better health, less depression and anxiety, and overall long-term satisfaction with life. Additionally, he mentioned studies which claimed that feeling grateful actually reduces aggressive behavior in people who are provoked. Perhaps this explains why so many of us survive, without serious injury, the all too frequent drama of family gatherings! I don’t think Tierney was thinking of Peppermint Patty, but I sure wanted to share his findings with her!
Feelings of gratefulness not only positively impact physical and mental health, but they also positively affect spiritual health. Gratitude is a symptom of a healthy soul that is grateful for the gracious gifts of our generous Creator God.
Whether we agree it is the most psychologically correct holiday or not, Thanksgiving is indeed upon us! Why not lavish praise and thanksgiving on our Heavenly Father for ALL that He has given and continues to give to us? After all, you will be less provoked, much kinder, and you will sleep better too, even after watching Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving!
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100 (ESV)