Thanksliving

 

Remember the “magic words” we were taught as children? Please and Thank-you were two words that, like magic, could seal the deal on many wants and wishes of a child. Those words remain effective for as long as we live, not only in regard to our human relationships, but also, and especially, in regard to our relationship with God. Consider these three aspects: * Receiving with thanks. “Thank-you” is not payment for anything. It is only a statement of appreciation and gratitude for what one has received. * Giving with thanks. A gratuity (a “tip”) is a way of saying thank-you. It is not part of that which is owed for services rendered (“the bill”) and is not required of the one who received the services. But when something extra is given above that which is owed, the one who receives it understands the “thank-you” behind it. * Giving thanks. We should be truly thankful in every situation and circumstance. We can give thanks in everything even if we cannot give thanks for everything. Having a vehicle break-down is nothing to be thankful for, but not breaking down in the middle of the “big city” is definitely something to be thankful for. Being ill is not something to be thankful for, but being in the hands of capable physicians that will promote wellness is. We can give thanks in adversity, and sometimes, since we are strengthened by adversity, we can give thanks for it. Life just doesn’t seem fair at times and when hard-times come or disaster strikes, it takes all our strength to recover. But, we seem to be wiser, more confident and stronger, physically and spiritually, than ever before. We need to look at all of life as a blessing, redefining our blessings in order to understand them and be grateful for them.

[Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18] On November 11, 1620, about 102 settlers aboard the Mayflower arrived in the “New World” and there was nothing to greet them except the harsh reality of a severe New England winter. Within five months over half their number had died of starvation, exposure to the elements, and disease. How amazing it was then, that these “pilgrims” could still find reasons to be thankful, in spite of such hardship. In more modern times, our celebration of Thanksgiving brings to mind warm memories of turkey and dressing, pumpkin pie, family togetherness, and football games on TV. Thanksgiving is a time when we pause to remember how blessed we are as well as to reflect on how we are using those blessings. Sometimes, family members who are full of joy at such occasions might say, “I wish it could be Thanksgiving all year long!” And you know, we ought to make everyday a day of thanksgiving. In our reading of First Thessalonians, the Bible says, “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I honestly don’t believe that the Pilgrims concentrated all their thankfulness into one single day, and neither should we! God’s Word teaches that we would be a much more joyful people if we would simply learn the habit of being grateful people. 

When was the last time you stopped to assess the day and ponder on the blessings of that day? When was the last time you took the time to compose a short note of gratitude to someone who has blessed you with their life? When was the last time you made it a point to tell just one person in your life something you admire and appreciate about them? When was the last time you prayed just to talk with God? The next time, listen to what you are saying to God. Are your prayers mostly, “I want, I want, I want,” or “Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you”? Jesus said not to worry about our needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mathew 6:25-34). With Jesus (Titus 2:11) even the poorest of the poor can be grateful. I pray you and yours enjoy a grateful Thanksgiving in these trying times. Pray for our world leaders.