It is Thanksgiving day during what has been the most challenging and interesting year of my life (and I am sure yours as well), but there is really so much to be grateful for!
I don’t know about you, but I honestly have mixed feelings on this day as it approaches. As much as I enjoy the time with my family, and great food, and fellowship, it always comes with frustrations - such as the large mound of dishes to wash, my kids not liking the dish that I spent hours to prepare (there is always at least one), and various dysfunctional family type issues.
But...I shouldn’t feel that way! I should be thankful for having a family to share the day with, great food to eat and even the dishes to eat it on. Many don’t have even that.
I recently reflected on this with when reading this excerpt from following devotion:
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A Prayer for Thanksgiving Day
By Debbie McDaniel
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good; his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5
All across our nation, Thanksgiving is a day that we set aside in order to do one thing. Be thankful.
And usually what goes along with it, is lots of food, family and friends, laughter and fun, times of giving to others in need, maybe some football, or traditions that you’ve recognized through long years.
And sometimes too, there is also loneliness. And struggle. Or deep loss. Feelings of hurt and painful circumstances that you’re still trying to hurdle over.
Whatever you’re facing this Thanksgiving Day, in the midst of all of it, may we remember again that God gives us the opportunity each and every day, to give worship and thanks to Him. Every morning He gives us breath, is His invitation to come joyfully into His Presence. He reminds us that He alone is God and we belong to Him. He assures us that His plans in our lives are for good.
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That is all so very true! There is much to be grateful for. I usually have a tradition to post something I am thankful for every day in November, but have failed miserably at keeping up with it this year. It is so easy to easily come up with ideas though, and only took a few minutes to compile my 30 here:
A loving God and the gift of salvation; forgiveness for my many mistakes
A beautiful family that is here at home
A restored marriage, and husband that takes great care of our family
Two amazing, talented, and healthy boys
My oldest learning new skills through his job and amazing talent playing the guitar
My youngest growing his talent in music and athletic abilities, which he loves
A wonderful extended family that I love very much
Living parents that are part of my life
A wonderful, hard working, caring mom who would do anything for me
An improved relationship and circumstances for my dad
Our adorable dog
A great job that has turned into a career
Amazing co-workers and a team that I enjoy working with
A warm home in a safe neighborhood
Choices in transportation
Safety in cars and planes
The ability for my kids to see new places like New England this year
Shelter from storms and disasters
Medical care when my family is sick
Remission from cancer for 24 years
A healthy family, not impacted by Covid
Electricity and running water
Warm meals, and a choice of what I eat
The beauty of fall colors
Freedom to freely worship
Freedom to vote, as many didn’t have
An awesome, supportive church family
Great friends that I keep in touch with
The ability to buy Christmas gifts
Pumpkin spice coffee
And the list goes on!
What are you grateful for?
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