Saturday, November 10, 2012

Giving Thanks


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 It is a good idea to have a national holiday in November to give thanks. In cities, towns and villages across the United States people get together to celebrate Thanksgiving.  It is the busiest traveling season of the year. Home, family and friends are on our minds as we plan the Thanksgiving meal. 
Sometimes I am invited to the homes of friends who are not believers and I am always fascinated as I observe their ritual of not giving thanks. They do not start with a prayer asking God to bless the food nor is there mention of God in the celebration. It is just a big feast and football games. The attitude of gratitude is missing.

In contrast, there is a marked difference when I join other believers in celebrating Thanksgiving.  Jesus is invited into our midst as we ask his blessings on the food. There is usually a time when we are all asked to say out loud the reasons for our gratitude. God is recognized as the giver of all good things.  There is a purpose for our very existence and in our reflections of gratitude we acknowledge his ownership on our lives. 
As believers we do not have to wait for a special Thursday in November to give thanks. In fact, we are encouraged by Paul to give thanks in all circumstances. When we recognize that ‘all good things come from above’ and we take time to give God thanks every day, it is easier to keep our feet on the straight path because we know that God is in control.

May we enjoy giving thanks to our Heavenly Father this year as we celebrate another Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!