Unplug This Thanksgiving

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family and friends, to put people first, and celebrate the blessings God has given us. The best advice I can give is to unplug—That means turning off the busyness of the outside world by silencing our phones and other electronic devices. Determine to participate in old-fashioned, face-to-face conversation. I hear the groanings, and the protests don’t necessarily erupt from young people.

Your Thanksgiving might be traditional with family and friends sharing turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, all the sides, and pumpkin pie. Or you might have opted to let a restaurant prepare your meal. Some are vegetarian; some are vegan; some are diabetic or gluten-free, and the list of dietary restrictions goes on. But we deal with the food the best we can. Our goal is to enjoy our loved ones, even the ones who aren’t easy to love.

What about conversation? The following conversation starters will help keep the laughter and good times coming.

  1. If you could watch today’s football game with anyone in the world, who would it be?
  2. What are you most thankful for this year?
  3. If you could open any kind of retail store, what would it contain?
  4. If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
  5. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
  6. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
  7. What is your all-time favorite movie?
  8. Where do you want to take your next vacation?
  9. If you were given a pet elephant, what name would you choose?
  10. What has God done in your life that you are most thankful for?

When your family and friends unplug and engage in conversation, relationships become firmly rooted, and unforgettable memories are made.

How do you plan to unplug this Thanksgiving? *Hint. Use a basket to gather up smartphones before the dinner prayer.