We all too often get so caught up with the hustle and bustle of everyday living that we fail to think of the many blessings we enjoy and their Source. That's why it's so important that we pause to recognize and celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
If we will interrupt our busyness for a moment and reflect, we'll begin to focus on just how much we do have for which to be grateful. To borrow a phrase of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and set it into a different context, "let me count the ways." I'm thankful for...
The fact that I've enjoyed seven decades of life (in spite of my brother's numerous attempts during our childhood to shorten that span).
The fact that I'm of reasonably good health (as far as I know) and of sound mind (although some cynics might debate that point).
The "goodly heritage" of my ancestors who knew, loved, and served God, thereby setting a high standard for my own life.
My family: a wife who loves me in spite of my sometimes idiosyncratic and exasperating behavior, four daughters and sons-in-law who care enough to laugh at my attempts at humor (although no doubt groaning inwardly) and patiently help me with my struggles with modern technology, and eight grandchildren who are either unaware of or ignore my faults and who are a great source of joy and grandfatherly pride.
A church family that encourages my faith by praying for, edifying, and challenging one another.
And there are many, many more blessings for which I'm grateful, such as having been born in the greatest nation on earth, one with a system of government that allows the greatest degree of individual freedom, one with the greatest economic system that allows unfathomable material blessings, and one that, to date, has not had to suffer the trials of foreign military invasion and subjugation.
But none of these blessings would be possible without the greatest blessing of all--a loving heavenly Father, our Creator, Who loved us so much that He gave His Only Son for our eternal redemption (John 3:16). But beyond that, He "daily loadeth us with benefits" (Psa. 68:19). His mercies "are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23), and He is always faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him (2 Tim. 2:13).
Reflecting on all these truths, I'm reminded of several hymns, the lyrics of which fit appropriately with this day of reflection and thanksgiving.
One says, "Without Him how lost would I be.... I could do nothing.... I'd surely fail.... I would be drifting.... I would be dying.... I'd be enslaved.... My life would be worthless."
Another tells us, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, ... when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, ... [when you're] burdened with a load of care, ... amid the conflict, ... do not be discouraged.... [Instead,] Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."
This is not Pollyanna thinking; it's acknowledging reality.
So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's look beyond the turkey, the family get-togethers, and the football games (although we surely should be thankful for them all), and let us truly thank God for all He has graciously done for us.
Dr. Bob Jones Sr. often reminded his listeners, "When gratitude dies on the altar of a man's heart, that man is well-nigh hopeless."
Don't be hopeless. Instead, let's all be grateful to the Source of all blessings. Not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day.
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