A whole holiday devoted to the act of giving thanks? Pretty great isn't it? But as I was thinking about it, I hope that Thanksgiving isn't the only day that you and I are giving thanks. Even on turkey day, it's easy to get caught up and forget the giving thanks part. We are so extremely blessed. We live in a world where the bounty that is piled on each person's plate isn't a one time thing. Yes, we may not eat to the point of gluttony every day, but do we want for our next meal? Some people do.
I spent Thanksgiving with extended and somewhat distant family. Our blood connection didn't really matter, however, as we all introduced ourselves and commenced the mixing of drinks and eating of food. There was so much delicious goodness that I couldn't contain it all and passed out on the couch in a food coma. Having enjoyed a quintessential American Thanksgiving, I proceeded to fall asleep to a crackling fire and the sounds of a football game as well as lively conversations going on around me. I am thankful. Thankful for all the excess of food. The resources that allowed us to have all that food. For family that loves me and includes me in all their family get-togethers. For extended family who welcome me in and make me a part of the festivities. I just am so incredibly blessed.
So, as I write this post about thanksgiving, I want to share with you a verse that I read recently that I feel is very apropos:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I certainly don't do all of that all the time, but it was a good reminder for me. Something a pastor said a couple weekends ago also comes to mind. He said something along the lines of: "When you wake up every morning, the first thing that you should do is to thank God for your salvation and the forgiveness of your sins. Your biggest burden and worry has been taken care of!" Which struck me. I hardly ever thank God for my salvation, that my sins have been forgiven. And it's so true. And it gives me such perspective. When I am overwhelmed and stressed about family, relationships, school, the future (aka. a job), I need to remember that ultimately, my biggest and most impossible concern in this world has been taken care of by Jesus Christ. Thank God! (literally.)
So I hope that God reminds you of many many things to be thankful for.
"Our blood connection didn't really matter, however, as we all introduced ourselves and commenced the mixing of drinks and eating of food. There was so much delicious goodness that I couldn't contain it all and passed out on the couch in a food coma." <--deja vu from last year?? all you needed next was say yes to the dress :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for this post. We both were not with our nuclear families this thanksgiving, but I did not feel any less included. It was such a lovely joyous holiday break. We are so incredibly blessed and you're right, we forget this all too easily. God has given us every tool to spread the wealth too. I am so thankful to have you as a best friend michelle. Love you!