The turkey is in the oven, which in itself is a positive step toward the choice of living, as I think of what was happening this time last year. My husband had passed away the day before (though this year it is the day after) Thanksgiving, and I was in the midst of grief and planning for his funeral. So, how do I face the choice I have in giving thanks to God when this year has brought so much loss — first my husband, then my father, then our dear friend, Dan Watts?
As a follower of Christ, I choose to do what I say I believe, even when my circumstances seem grim. I choose to give thanks, because I serve a God who reminds me of what I really have to be thankful for. these verses in 1 Thessalonians 5, put it into perspective (the emphases are mine):
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
So, I choose to be thankful, for this is God’s will for me. I’m thankful for those who have gone before me, and I’m thankful for those he continues to bless me with in this world. I’m thankful for serving a God who showed His love by allowing His son to pay the ultimate price that I might have a relationship with Him. That, in and of itself, is overwhelming. I’m thankful for His blessings, big and small, which make up a part of each day of my life…even when I don’t recognize them at the moment. God is so good. all the time.
Be grateful…Happy Thanksgiving.
Grace and Peace