ThanksLiving

For many the word “Thanksgiving” means gathering with family and friends,

Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie,

A football game,

The parade on television,

And “Black Friday” shopping.

Good stuff – traditions – memories of years past.

Now the leftovers are in the fridge.

Visitors have returned home.

School vacation is over.

And life is back to normal.

And Thanksgiving...?

We’ll welcome it back next year.

But true thanksgiving – giving thanks – is not a once a year thing,

Nor is it optional for the Christian.

Thanksgiving flows from a grateful heart.

Grateful for blessings received from the hand of a loving God,

For grace given,

And mercies extended.

Thanksgiving should inhabit our prayers, our songs, our daily discussions, our thoughts.

For what do we have that we did not receive?

Let’s ask God to help us make gratitude our lifestyle, and giving thanks our mantra.

And let’s start right now!

When I started typing the sky was aflame with the beauty of a sunrise.

As I finished, two Blue Jays visited my deck,

a Red-headed Woodpecker tapped on the tree outside the window, 

and a Cardinal raised its voice in song.

Thank You, God, for these wonderful gifts to start my day today!

                

Have a thankful day,

Ruth

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” 

Colossians 2:6-7

“I will praise God’s name in song, and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”

Psalm 69:30