Today is Thanksgiving, a day for preparing a special meal,
designed to celebrate the bountiful blessings that God has given us throughout
the year. In some households we go around sharing a few of the things we are
most thankful for. Lately, it seem as if the media and big retail stores are
trying to bypass this day and get us straight into their version of Christmas;
one ruled by buying items fast and cheap and trying to give so we can receive.
This used to be a day celebrated by all in America; stores were closed so
people could spend time with their family. But more and more stores are
encroaching in on that time. Stores are opening earlier and earlier for Black
Friday sales, preventing their employees from having sufficient time to spend
with their family and encouraging shoppers from leaving their family gatherings
early so they can get good deals.
and one day of eating is unnecessary. But given what Christmas has become it’s
easy to want to push Thanksgiving aside. Yet I really think we need
Thanksgiving so we can be intentional about remembering that all the good
things we have come from God (James 1:7). It’s also the start of the giving
season. We should recognize what we have and we should remember all those who
don’t have. We should give to them as has been given unto us. And when Christmas
arrives, we can again give thanks for the ability to give and remember that
Jesus was given for us. We should also give thanks for Life, for those placed
in our lives and whom we have had the opportunity to share life with, those who
feel our pain and our joys, who walk with us through the light and the dark
One of the things I’m thankful for is Life. Each day we
awake is a gift that we are not guaranteed. I am also thankful for the
opportunity I will be having this upcoming year to help bring life to others
around the world. When one truly gives of one’s life that reward of knowledge
is greater than any monetary compensation. I am also thankful to those that God
has placed in my life; all of my closest friends and family, many of which have
similar passions to fight the many injustices in the world. They have been an
encouragement in my personal journey. Many who have kept me in check by
reminding me of good humanitarian offers when my personality calls me to avoid
it. I am also thankful for the infinite grace God has given me many times as
I’ve strayed from the path set before me. I am also thankful that we are free
to pray and to be in a relationship with God.
So I pray that everyone has had a blessed Thanksgiving and
that God meet with you in this season as we prepare for Christmas.
