Thanksgiving

November 25, 2011

With Thanksgiving over I think it is appropriate to reflect on what it means to be thankful. A professor of mine recently gave a lecture on thankfulness. He described it as the “spiritual barometer”. I found this very intriguing and surprisingly accurate especially in my own heart. Here is what the bible says about it…

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

It is clear from this passage that thankfulness is important but why is it? To give a few reasons, it shows how well we understand our current position spiritually, physically, and socially. If we are close to God and are in a state of understanding with him then we will know the sacrifice he made and the mercy he has given us. This will inspire thankfulness in all circumstances.

We may also give thanks for the things we have. This can be easy for people like me who have a lot of things to be thankful for, but what about those starving or living on the streets? It is important to know that everything we have is a blessing.

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

This means that nothing we have is ours, it was all given to us. This means that nothing we have done is ours, the opportunities were given to us. When we carry this attitude (which is easier said than done) then we can focus on the blessings we do have even if that is just the blessing of one more day to worship God on this earth. We are also blessed with who God created us to be. He created us all and was pleased despite deformity, disease, or circumstance. When we understand that God is pleased with us, the God of the universe, then we are thankful.

Finally, the most important part for me, is being thankful for those around us. What we don’t know is that there are millions of people who don’t feel appreciated. Being thankful to God and to others go hand in hand. They cannot be separated. We must thank others. The power of a thankful word is huge and not to be underestimated.

The application? Be thankful in all things, not just our possessions, but people, and God. We truly have much to be thankful for and when we begin to realize that life is a joy to live each day.

What I am thankful for…

My family- You guys are truly wonderful. I know you will be there for me and I hope I can do the same for you. I love each of you so much. Thank you mom, dad, Josiah, Quincy, Grandma and Grandpa Lester, Mammaw, Granny, Eli, Kevin, Adam, Sarah, Amy, Karen, Catherine, John, Janet, Laurie, Karen H, Aunt Karen, Jay, David H, Matt, David G, Scott L, Terry L, Erin, Andrew, Daniel, Byron and Joseffa.

Jesus’s sacrifice- Because of what you have done I don’t have to face death and judgment, I can live in love with you and those around me, your Holy Spirit is given to me, you give me eternal life, and I am free from sin right now so that righteousness is the normal and sin is the uncommon!

My things- Thank you for giving me everything I need and more. Food, water, shelter.  Not just food but delicious food. Not just water but clean water. Not just shelter but a home! Thank for entertainment, nice clothes, transportation, a warm bed, a drum set, and countless other things.

My friends- Thank you so much for everyone of you! You are all a blessing to me. Thank you Nathan, James, Jason, Josh A, Josh W, Scott H, Ann H, Mike R, Bill W, Matt E, Ryan E, Hudson J, Alex J, Emilia M, Camille H, Kerry W, Michelle A, Jason W, Vivek, CJ, Alex C, Kyle C, Shelby D, Cat, Kristin, Doug H, Trevor M, Mick W, Caitlin R, Lily S, Mark G, Luke G, Jordan R, Megan Flu, Michaela, Deb, Adam, Mitchell, Ryan R, Nick W, Wil W, Wes W, Summer, Tiffany, Carly, Natalie, Marissa, Jordan K, Kelly, Jake, David G, Ashley, Tyler W, Jace, Dick, Kay, Josiah, Matt D, Rachel, Megan, Nathan B,  Chris C, Hampton, Holly, Norris, Shaffer, Kate, Emily B, Ariel, Dan, and Emily and I am sure there are many many more. Thank you for everybody else I will meet in the future too!