Well, It’s another Sunday morning. “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.” Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
Are you ready for Thanksgiving this year? Are you a traditional Thanksgiving family or do you do something different? Are you a turkey and ham, mash potatoes, dressing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and all of the trimmings kind of family? Some folks break from that tradition and do steaks on the grill or even a crawfish boil. Regardless of what you serve, being together and being thankful is the whole reason for this holiday.
I am from a traditional meal type family, I remember as a child waking up to the smells of pies baking and the preparation of what would be a large, over-the-top meal that could feed an army. I remember sitting at the table for Thanksgiving with my family and looking at the wonderful meal as it was placed on the table in front of us. The linen table cloth and good dishes, only used for these special occasions. Every item of food cooked to perfection. The side table that was set up for all of the deserts was covered in linen also and it looked amazing. I remember stuffing ourselves with all the good things to a point that only a nap would allow us to survive. We would all be in a food overload still thinking we had just enough room for one more piece of pecan pie. Although we didn’t have money we were happy, blessed, and on this day we were full beyond belief. It was a beautiful meal, everything was perfect, God had blessed us and we were thankful. In Ephesians 5:20 (ESV) “We read this truth, Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We read in Luke 17:11-19 “On the way to Jerusalem he ( Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'” Jesus gave all ten a gift to be thankful for, but only one was truly thankful. When we receive a gift, regardless of its size, it’s only when we stop and think of the significance and meaning of the gift that we express our appreciation for what we have received. We all must slow down and take time to see the gifts our Lord gives us and thank him for them. As my family looked across that wonderful food filled table, we were thankful for the amazing bounty our Lord had provided for us. We were thankful not only for that one day, but for the entire year and expressed it to our Lord. In the book of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) we can read these words of wisdom, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
So I ask you, what are you thankful for? I am thankful for God’s blessings on our Church. I am thankful for my wife, she has been so very wonderful throughout the years, truly a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with. I am thankful that our Lord continues to bless our family. I am thankful for all of my family and especially for my boys, their families, and my grandsons. I am thankful for our parents, they were full of love and wisdom that they shared it with us daily. I am thankful that God has opened our hearts and we can share all of His greatness with others. I am thankful I am still mobile and able to get some things done. I am thankful for all of you that read these thoughts God puts on my heart. You all are truly part of my vast treasure that I carry with me every where I go. God has truly blessed me, I pray he has blessed you as well.
Throughout this wonderful walk we are all on, I ask you to be thankful, even when it isn’t comfortable to be that way. Remember God has walked all of this out in front of us and knows what we can handle, He will not over burden us. I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m closing today with just one more verse, this one is from Psalm 106:1 (ESV), Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Please remember in all that you do, God truly loves each and every one of you and so do I.
