Blog - Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving - Andy Andrews

Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving

Monday, November 23, 2009

I have always looked forward to Thanksgiving. Christmas is still my favorite, but I am fiercely protective of Thanksgiving.

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Personally, I don’t allow myself to look at store displays or listen to radio stations that seem determined to trample Thanksgiving and Halloween in their frantic push to get us to spend our money. Heck, you know if they could back up, roll over Labor Day, and get a bite of the 4^th of July, they’d do that too!

Thanksgiving is a lot of things to a lot of people. Most of us have time marked in the hallways of our minds around a certain Thanksgiving or two . . . Granddaddy’s last one, the one when mama burned the turkey, or the one when you finally graduated from the card table and got to eat at the big table. With the adults. Remember? You were twenty-seven.

My sister and I remember great Thanksgivings while we were growing up with Mama and Daddy at our grandparent’s house. I spent one Thanksgiving working at a Zippy Mart in Auburn, Alabama and another at a friend’s house. A few years ago, I was overseas with our troops for Thanksgiving. I actually spoke at a makeshift hospital in the morning, traveled to another location, and that evening served food to a line of happy young people with trays in one hand and M-16’s in the other.

This Thanksgiving, I will be at home with family and friends. And we will do something my father planted in my mind years ago. We will be thankful. Now, I know that seems to go without sayin’, but stay with me here. Is it slightly possible that we become overwhelmed by all the hooplah and forget to be purposefully grateful on this, the one day of the year set aside for that specific purpose?

I’m just sayin’. . .

As you get ready for this wonderful holiday with your family, I hope you’ll take the time to listen as I read this Thanksgiving story to you. Okay? Close your eyes. It’s just you, me, Polly, the boys, and a few friends in our living room. This is Chapter 15 from Return To Sawyerton Springs.

Listen to the Thanksgiving Story below

Happy Thanksgiving. And as this one unfolds, remember that I am grateful for you.

Your friend,

Andy

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Posted in Uncategorized | Make a Comment (35) |

1. Will Ezell - November 23, 2009 @ 10:21 AM

"I'm giving my thanks and sincere gratitude to Andy for helping make 2009 an inspiring year!

Happy Thanksgiving to your family, friends, and Fans of Andy from Will and Phoebe Ezell -"

2. Bonnie Bartel Latino - November 23, 2009 @ 10:49 AM

"Andy,

I smiled when you mentioned
"graduating" from the card table to the big table...I still have my daddy's pair of HUGE red leather dictionaries that, as a child, I sat on during holiday meals.

Many Thanksgivings, Tom and I spent overseas--in Guam, Greece, Great Britain and Germany. The USAF liked to send us to the G-countries!

Happy Thanksgiving to one of the most grateful human beings I ever met...and one who constantly gives back.

Love to Polly and "the monkeys"!

Bon (and Tom) in Atmore"

3. Brad Cross - November 23, 2009 @ 10:57 AM

"I love your messages and I have bought your books and read your blogs. I also give your books as gifts, provided to the team members I work with, and shared your blog address with many others that I feel can find comfort and value in your message.

In recent blogs they seem to be more of lead ins for sales however than just messages. I fully realize you are a business and earn a living through your books and other tiems but seems the blogs are becoming more commercials than meaning.

I really not meaning to be negative, but just hititng me after the last two E-mails I received in less than a week."

4. Dave Paul - November 23, 2009 @ 11:48 AM

""Purposefully grateful"......when I catch people at this (including myself) I see humanity at its best because its a starting point and an ending point for people in a mindset of service to one another....love for one another...several thoughts...my six year old Hannah has voiced her disgust as she observes Christmas displays, "Dad, I just don't think they should blow right over a great holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas gets its own time".....Yesterday, our church served Turkey dinner for 450 people free of charge (free will donation). Some of the people served were church members and many were from the community with not much going for them right now. As I came out from the dishwashing room (where I cause the least amount of damage) I saw "purposefully grateful" written all over the place, in the actions of people serving one another. Thanks, Andy...thinking about your family at this time, as we hopefully stop and remember to be grateful on (and with a)purpose."

5. Josie - November 23, 2009 @ 11:58 AM

"Dear Andy,
I am truly thankful for the many blessings I have in my life and I am also thankful for the hardships that have made me stronger, more compassionate, and more attuned to my God. I am grateful for Thanksgiving and it's meaning. But I am also grateful that Christmas is in the air. We NEED Christmas this year; we need the joy of it to start now. We need to hear the jingle of bells that bring the Christ child ever near. We need that message. Just the mere mention of the word brings Christ's name into the picture. Let us pray that its derivation will ring all the more in people's hearts during their difficult times. Maybe the thought of Christ-mas will make them more grateful this Thanksgiving. So bring on the turkey, pumpkin pie and crescent rolls; mix it in with football, Salvation Army bell ringers, Black Friday, tinsel, boxes and bows, Advent Angels, caroling, nativities, Santa and Happy Holidays. Christ is in the air; I can feel Him. I need Him there - don't we all? Let's celebrate the cup being half full to brimming over with gratefulness, seasonal joy and good cheer. Thank you, Andy."

6. Andy Andrews - November 23, 2009 @ 12:25 PM

"Brad...

Sorry the last two blog postings have bothered you somewhat. In both, I hope you caught the "life messages" that were included with the information about available new resources. And in this one, there is even a "audio gift" of one of the chapters you can play for your family (if you wish).

There are a great variety of people who read this blog. Therefore, I try my best to make what I write cover the spectrum of their interests. I cover parenting, leadership, marriage, grief, travel, technology, and a host of other topics. I am aware that every single topic is not a "10" for every single reader. For this, I can only apologize.

My mission in life is to learn, write and teach principles to people in order that they might gain more insight and control in regards to their own lives and their family's futures. As you astutely observed, this is also how I make my living. And the living I makes pays the bills for the things I provide for free for people just like you.

The website and the people who run it are not free to me. Neither is the guy who formats the blog, makes it look nice, and emails it out.

In addition (not sure if you ever thought of it) but the crew that came to my house to record me reading "Return To Sawyerton Springs" charged me fuel, travel time, meals, and hourly rates for recording and editing. I also paid the shipping costs for the materials before the final product was placed in my hands. And that was before I began paying people to get it on the web. I will continue to allow these recordings to be released FOR FREE to all the people who asked when the book came out, "Where is the audio?"

Yes, the audio version is being released a bit at a time. Yes, I do hope people will buy the book. But again, the audio is FREE to whomever wants it. And they are free to send it as a (free) gift to their own friends.

To continue to finance my mission and give product away to charities and individuals (at last count, we have given over 14,000 Traveler's Gifts alone), it is necessary that I actually, occasionally, sell something.

I am open to ideas. As regards The Butterfly Effect, the book in the earlier email that bothered you, this book is available for now... only online. How else, other than online, might such a book be marketed??

I appreciate your presence on this blog. And I appreciate you offering me the opportunity to share a broader sense of what actually has to happen for me to be available to you with what you might consider more "acceptable" blog postings."

7. jan burch - November 23, 2009 @ 1:47 PM

"Andy,
Keep on doing just what you are doing!!!! It is ALL wonderful,
Happy Thanksgiving. We ALL need a new ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. jb"

8. John Beaty - November 23, 2009 @ 1:55 PM

"Dear Andy,

Just a little note to say that I have never felt that you over-market your books, etc. I always appreciate the offerings you send out, and if I choose to click on a link, that is my clear choice.

And your humor and compassion still amazes me, these many years later.

My family demands a reading of "Socks for Christmas" EVERY YEAR on Christmas eve, after the little ones have gone to bed, done by yours truly. Talk about traditions.

All my best,

John"

9. Suzy Childers - November 23, 2009 @ 2:01 PM

"Please don't change a thing -- for this reader, every single top you write is a "10"!"

10. Dr Ray Ramirez - November 23, 2009 @ 2:09 PM

"Dear Andy,
I write this before I listen to chapter 15 of Sawyerton Springs.

We all tend to forget that we all like money, yet we all like things for free. Rarely do we get great things for free.

I count your blog and emails as one of those beautiful items. I remember getting a chance to hear you in Decatur, IL in 04 or so, and it changed my attitude and life. I have given away more 'Traveler's Gift' books than I can count, and for some also give them the copy of 'The traveler guide'. I will talk to my wife about getting some of those "Bbutterfly effect' books.

Because one man flapped his butterfly wings and told someone that everything he did mattered. Everything. To him, and his children, and more importantly, to my own children.

So I started reading the paper after all the kids were in bed and the Mrs is checking her email. Instead of reading the paper when the kids were up, and wondering why he couldn't chat with his children.

But sometimes we need the obvious pointed out to us - gently hopefully - but still pointed out.

If no one points out things they think we might like to change, then how can we know? Maybe we did not realize this is how it came about?

As a new practice owner - a Dr who is trying to pay his bills, and staff, and make sure all the different state and fed boards are happy with how I treat my employee's ( I try to treat them as I would like to be treated).

Thank you for all you do to share 'stories' with us, and your 'observations. It helps me to learn to see the wonderful love that so many of those in my veterinary practice share with a dog or cat. I am truly blessed to see this mirror of God in them.

And the grace to see that gift is in large part because one man flapped is butterfly wings when no one was looking.

Thanks Andy."

11. Pat Johnson - November 23, 2009 @ 2:45 PM

"Dear Andy,
I love reading your E-mails. I too get a little bothered by the fact most go from Halloween to Christmas. What about Thanksgiving? I told the ones that I work with that I don't want to listen to Christmas music yet. I want to enjoy Thanksgiving first. OK, so there aren't any Thanksgiving songs. If so not many
I so enjoy listening to you as your stories remind me of going to TN to see my grandparents when I was a kid. Very thankful for those memories and the time I have with my family now. God has blessed me in so many ways even when I didn't think there would be a blessing coming. There was.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

Pat"

12. Barbara Barrett - November 23, 2009 @ 3:11 PM

"Andy, You are definitely one of the things I will give much gratitude for this year. Having discovered you and your writing this past year has made me a better and richer person than before. God bless you!"

13. Henry Neff - November 23, 2009 @ 5:05 PM

"Andy, thank you for your books, your emails, your blog and everything you do to help people. Often times, those who lead and try to inspire are criticized by the little people who have a very poor self image. I am sorry that Brad chose your wonderful gift as a platform for negativity. Try not to let it bother you. There are many real people who love you and your work. I am thankful to still be in this world, after nearly dying 5 years ago, where I have the privilege of being inspired by you. I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas."

14. Lois - November 23, 2009 @ 6:01 PM

"Andy a few years ago my husband got up in the wee hours of Thanksgiving morning and put the turkey in the oven. When I got up at 8 am the turkey was done. Since it was just the 2 of us I fixed the side dishes, baked the rolls and we had a Thanksgiving breakfast with all the trimmings that year. The rest of the day was free. It was one of my best Thanksgivings."

15. Amy Fry - November 23, 2009 @ 7:01 PM

"Andy,
I will just say 'ditto' to what Suzy Childers said above. It's all a '10'!

And thank you for putting yourself out there for us, to learn from if we so choose. And I do. I too have given away quite a few copies of 'The Noticer' and don't regret a single cent I spent on them. And we only have one income now!

Keep it up. I learn from you every day.
Happy Thanksgiving and may your Blessings multiply even more.
Amy"

16. Margie Cole - November 23, 2009 @ 7:41 PM

"Hello from another Andy Fan,

I want to not only thank you for the inspirational, fun and ever human writing you put forth to help us all find the best in life and in ourselves, but also to thank you for your post on a post.

It was a teachable moment for me who is a beginner in my own business and has someone working on a website for me right now. It is easy when someone like yourself makes things look so easy to forget all of the behind the scenes work and money that makes the final results happen.

It was thoughtful of you to seize this opportunity to remind us that there is truly meaning in the mundane, but some things are still the nitty gritty of living!

It was also a powerful reminder that to serve well means expanding our ability to give and give and give. I guess that is the giving part of Thanksgiving!

Along with many others, I am thankful for you."

17. Harold - November 23, 2009 @ 8:30 PM

"Thanks for the reminders about how all of life should be taken back to a more simpler time. A time when Thanksgiving was not a rushed affair to be completed so I can move on to whatever is next. This year will be the first that my mother has not prepared the turkey as it seems the children have become adults and adults, children. I am more thankful each day for each day, but this year I will be especially thankful for the time I will spend with family. Also, Andy, thanks for the life lessons in your books, I really appreciate them."

18. Barbara Rothenberg - November 23, 2009 @ 11:01 PM

"Dear Andy, This has been a hard year for me. On January 18th,2009 my Dad whom I had many unresloved issues with found out he had lung cancer,went into Hospice and had 3 great days, one poor day and then my Dad was gone. I spent alot of days just going through the motions, till one day I picked up your book; The Traveler's Gift. After reading your book I felt as if I were reborn! I began to change and my heart although still hurting was filled with such gradatude. I had so much to be Thankful for! I was able to have 3 great days to be with my dad. 3 days to tell him anything I needed to say, 3 days to see him laugh, to see his amazing faith. To see how at peace he was with leaving. He talked about what a wonderful life he had, how he was ready.He wasnt worried. I beleive that in those three days my Dad taught so many lessons! I want to Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Before your books( I have read them all now) I was a closed up flower. Your books were the light, and the rain my soul needed to grow and blossom and reach for the heavens! They helped me really see and feel how truly blessed I am. And although my Dad wont be physically sitting at the head of the table this Thanksgiving, he and all the lessons he taught me are in my heart! He is always with me now. And not even CANCER can take that from me. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I think Thanksgiving should be every day...Thanks to you for me it is!!!"

19. Allen - November 23, 2009 @ 11:10 PM

"Andy,
You are the Payton Manning of your field! The best of the best. My family and I are thankful for you, your family, and the wonderful people who work with you!
God bless you all
AC"

20. Robin - November 24, 2009 @ 2:37 AM

"Dear Andy,

It is a pleasure for positive interaction. I have been married twice in my lifetime; both on Thanksgiving Day, (different dates,) it just fell that way. Now I am alone, however, always remembering the time of family then, how the holiday has such a sanctuary of love. Our roots are always to remember to give thanks always and all ways. Thank you for all you do and being who you are."

21. Veronica Hunponu-Wusu - November 24, 2009 @ 3:33 AM

"Dear Andy,
Thank you for reading Chapter 15..... It's good to be reminded to really thoughtfully list the things I am thankful for....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ! ! !

Veronica."

22. Susan - November 24, 2009 @ 8:33 AM

"This is the time of year that I realize, not just mine, but everyone's family is a little nuts. I'm grateful for my nutty family, and all the other nutty families I've had the honor of spending time with. Now yours as well.
Cheers Andy, and happy Thanksgiving,
Susan Kitchen"

23. Andy Andrews - November 24, 2009 @ 8:42 AM

"Barbara!

Thanks to YOU for reminding me again just how precious every moment actually is..."

24. Sherry - November 24, 2009 @ 2:01 PM

"Andy, thank you so much for using your gift of insight, speaking and writing to enhance and encourage the lives of others...you have great gifts and talents that could have been used strictly for the purpose of "getting rich" but you use them to help others...AND to support your family! Nothing wrong with that! God has blessed you and you have passed the blessings along to others...keep it up! The ministry of your work has influenced my life in positive ways and for that I am very grateful to you! God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving!"

25. Beckaroo - November 24, 2009 @ 9:37 PM

""Andy thanks agian for a great little story that can make a big difference on my perspective. I could be feeling sad that my mother's alzheimer is so much worse this year. but I chose to be thankful
she is still remember who I am. Her "sweetest daughter" as she calls me. And thankful even though she is lossing her memory, I still have mine. I remember what a wonderful mother she has always been and still is."

26. Parthenia Culver - November 25, 2009 @ 9:01 AM

"Andy, Thank you so much for your book,THE NOTICER. I discovered it Monday at our local LiveWay store, and once I started it, I could hardly put it down....I finished it last night. Although this book was released months ago, it came at the perfect time for me.
Beginning with a horrible ice storm in January, 2009 has been a very traumatic year for my family and me, and we are struggling to begin the holiday season with thankful and joyful hearts. Thanks again for the new perspective."

27. Martha Martin - November 25, 2009 @ 12:46 PM

"Andy, I want to wish you and your family a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I love your books and especially love listening to your tell your wonderful stories.I remember your grandmother Andrews very well. When she lived in Edgewood subdivision on Charlotte Circle, she was my neighbor. My daughter, Sherrie Wilson and Christy were friends. Please tell her hello for me.
Martha Martin"

28. Lenny - November 25, 2009 @ 3:11 PM

"So soft, but so powerful are you Andy!
We all have so much to be grateful for.
Many blessings and many thanks!"

29. Jeanne - November 25, 2009 @ 4:00 PM

"Happy Thanksgiving to you, your friends and family Andy. We're hosting Gary's family this year and we and plan to set, once again, a very special "place setting" for our Troops. Our thankful prayers will be with our Troops and their families. We must always remember that our freedom is provided to us by their daily sacrifice. I know our Troops hold a special place in your heart. Our kiddos will be coloring flags for our Troop's place setting.

Thanks again Andy for all of the "life lessons" that you provide in each and every blog, book, audio, dvd, etc. Gary and I are thankful for each and every one. To you and yours!"

30. Glen Kaiser - November 26, 2009 @ 10:48 AM

"Andy,

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you, Polly and the boys have one to remember.

We all much to be thankful for - most of all that we have a God who loves us and sent His only Son as Savior! All is fundamentally well!
God bless - GK"

31. Mary Ann - November 26, 2009 @ 2:08 PM

"I am thankful though we don't get to SEE you,Polly & boys as much as we would like to~~but have remained
FRIENDS!!!"

32. Donnie - November 26, 2009 @ 11:42 PM

"Thank yo for your sacrifice to give us the opportunity to enjoy and grow with the truths you are giving. God bless. First heard of you in Bill & gloria Gaither's magazine. In Christ's service, Donnie"

33. Jonathan - November 27, 2009 @ 1:30 AM

"Andy,

I have to take a step back each day and say thank you to the Good Lord for all he has given me in my life. It is always so refreshing to hear you speak or read your books. I pray you and your family have had an amazing day. God bless all you do.

Jonathan"

34. R Dean Amos - November 28, 2009 @ 2:50 PM

"Andy...I have been grateful for many years that you have shared so much with us, your adoring public. It is especially true this year, as I am an "orphan" for the first time in my life.
My 98 year old Mother was no longer with us and it was a tremendous void. Your stories and recordings have helped so very much to make Thanksgiving a very nice time. I especially like the times you would blow bubbles while nursing! It reminds me of things I would do to tease my Mother. What sorrow? Nonsense! We rejoiced at her long life.

Gratefully, R Dean"

35. Mary Ann Eure - November 29, 2009 @ 6:52 PM

"My family had a wonderful & thankful Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed your message about your Thanksgivings. We have so much to be thankful for and I pray people everywhere took a few minutes to give thanks. I am grandmother to your cousins, Katie Selvey, Barbara Selvey, & Anna Selvey. Sarah Selvey Artz is my daughter and we have so much fun together with all my family. We enjoyed Maggie, Barbara's little girl who is 7 months old. Grandmother Barbara Selvey called and talked to the girls yestreday. We look forward to the holidays at christmas time so we can be together again. God bless your family.
Mary Ann"