Mark MacDonald > 3 Things to Do This Thanksgiving

Daily tasks become less special each time someone does them in succession.

Doing something once a week can even become “normal” (perhaps Sunday Church?). It’s hard to believe that something we practice annually can become neglected. But it happens. Thanksgiving is one of those days.

We get so busy at our church jobs, gearing up for Christmas programs and services, that Thanksgiving becomes merely a gap in our schedule. A day off.

It needs to be more than that. It’s a special day.

When we voice thankfulness it humbles us as we realize we’re not doing everything alone.

In order to make the day special, sometimes it requires us to do something totally different. Different than other days of the year. Different from other Thanksgivings in the past.

Here are 3 suggestions:

1. Quiet Time. If you’re anything like me, your “regular” quiet time is far from regular. What better day to spend a few minutes of quality time talking to God and thanking Him for His faithfulness. He knows you the best, so thank Him for making you and paving the road you’re on.
2. Email, Call, or Text a Co-worker. While reading that someone came to mind who you haven’t adequately thanked. Contact them: Be specific. Talk about why it’s so important for them to work with you. Don’t ask for anything or expect anything in return. Don’t be overly emotional; but be heart-felt.
3. Thank the Cook. Calling it Turkey Day sums up what most people think about (plus football). Someone dedicated extra time to prepare or serve the food you’ll eat. Most of them have the gift of service. Want to make their day surprising and rewarding? Pull them aside and thank them for all the things you noticed — and for the extra time that went into the planning. Then offer to wash the dishes.

Let’s make this day special. As though you’ve never celebrated it before.

On behalf of our BeKnownForSomething Church Communications Team, thank you. For your ministry in your church, for juggling family and work, for your wonderful attention to communicating effectively for the cause of Christ. Thank you.

This post originally appeared on Be Known for Something. 

Join the conversation About Mark MacDonald

Mark MacDonald, Senior Brand Strategist for BeKnownForSomething, practices a teacher’s heart, assisting churches across the country to understand who they are. His revealing process converts internally-focused vision statements into a practical positioning that helps shape effective church communications in a digital hub (web, social media, email). Mark wants the local church to become “known for something” relevant and compelling to their communities!

For almost 3 decades, Mark has won communication’s awards and led conferences throughout United States and Canada. He climbed to the position of Senior Creative Director at one of eastern Canada’s largest ad agencies; and now for over 14 years has been working with churches and ministries at BeKnownForSomething.com.

Mark’s active in the teaching ministry at Calvary Baptist Church (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) with his wife of 24 years, Tammy, and his 2 college-aged sons, Isaac and Josh.