Nov. 10 - Give Thanks for Pumpkins!

After all, what would Fall be without the pumpkin?  Can you imagine no pumpkin pies or pumpkin bread?  Or no bright orange balls of color in the fields, the grocery stores, or front doors?

Pumpkins just inspire happiness, just by being themselves. They instantly create a feeling of home and abundance.  The bright orange color is a flash of warmth against the cold weather, reminding us of memories of gathering together in the past, and give us hope for gathering again together in the future.

Plus, there's that very cave-man like feeling of fear of scarcity still hidden deep within us. When the cold weather comes, will there be enough food for everyone?  Pumpkins alleviate this primal fear, because they themselves are such a plentiful food - pies, breads, soups, even the seeds can be used for food.  And, each one can feed so many people! If we were lucky enough to grow up in a home where food was plentiful, pumpkins have the ability to connect us to that deep feeling of love and satisfaction. 

But at the same time, we know there are many people who do not and will not have enough food to eat this winter. So, let's make sure that pumpkins also remind us to provide, according to our means, food for those in need.  A bag of groceries dropped off to your local food pantry will do the trick, and consider keeping some non-perishable snacks in your car to hand out as you drive around. 

Lord, we thank you for the abundance of food we enjoy. Help us to remember and provide food for those who do not have enough to eat.  Amen.