Into the Fire

Thanksgiving arrives on Thursday, the day this country recognizes a special day in our history where people gathered together to share and celebrate their blessings.

Thanksgiving is filled with all sorts of activities in this country's present culture. It's customary for professional football teams to play each other on network television, and Thanksgiving is acknowledged and provisions made for each team that postpones time with families to perform their well-paid jobs. Inching into the evening some retail outlets open their doors to fanatical Christmas shoppers for "Black Friday" specials on various hot-ticket items. Different city missions across the nation serve hot traditional meals to the ever-growing crowds of homeless people.

Some family members travel long distances to join other relatives, enjoying food and fellowship. Friends invite other friends who bring a delicious feast of potluck entrees. In some places a thanksgiving "grace" is said maybe for the first and last time of the year.

Those of us who've acknowledged the Savior of the world as our Savior give thanks daily for the multiple blessings He's given to us. We know the historical significance in the celebration of this holiday, but we also know the thanks given by the pilgrims was to the God of the universe for sending Jesus to save us.  

Thanksgiving is an attitude of gratitude. It surpasses hardship even though trials and tragedies present ongoing sorrow. It rises above petty grievances and illuminates the abundance of what we do have. It recognizes without the supernatural beauty of our Creator, our possessions, our relationships, our country even, really wouldn't carry the significance of blessings. Rather, they would be self-serving, self-motivated, self-determined. 

God has been so gracious to me. I know my blessings come from Him. I am perpetually grateful to the Savior of world. Jesus saved me from my sinful self. How could I be anything but full of thanks?

Father, there are not enough words in any language to thank you enough. Ever. Thank you, Jesus. Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of your benevolence and extreme grace whenever I start to grumble. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.