On this Thanksgiving Day, I am acutely aware of the pain that so many have felt and are still feeling today, both in our community and in our nation. This has been a hard year – a year unlike any that I can recall over the last 50 years. The physical, emotional and spiritual toll will not be fully understood for years to come, as this year will have lasting repercussions. And yet, in the midst of it, I am thankful. In fact, I may be more thankful than ever before.
I am thankful for yesterday. My parents raised me in a loving home where I was fed, clothed, and taught about love, respect, kindness, and the importance of hard work, for which I am thankful. My wife has stood by my side for more than 24 years, and God has blessed us with two beautiful young women whom we love, and a home to raise them in, for which I am thankful. And God planted us in this wonderful community where we have invested ourselves fully, serving alongside our neighbors and making dear friends, for which I am thankful.
I am thankful for today. I have breath in my lungs, coffee in my veins, a kiss from my wife, and a turkey waiting to be eaten, for which I am thankful. I have another opportunity to share about God’s love, grace and mercy, through this written word, spoken conversation, and through deeds, for which I am thankful. And I am aware that today, on this national day of thanksgiving, many hearts and minds that are not normally focused on their many blessings will pause and indeed give thanks to God, for which I am thankful.
I am thankful for tomorrow. I do not boast about tomorrow, for I don’t know what it brings, and tomorrow is promised to no one. However, I know that no matter what happens, God intends it for my good, because I love Him and I seek to keep His commands and do His will. Because of that, I know that tomorrow will be glorious, and it can be for you too if your trust is fully and completely in Him, for which I am thankful.
Because this year has been so difficult, it has clarified that my hope for today and my hope for tomorrow rest solely upon the goodness and mercy of the Lord. People will live, and people will die. Nations will rise, and nations will fall. Fortunes will be gained, and fortunes will be lost. Yet in Christ, nothing will ever separate us from the love of God. For that, above all else, I am so very thankful.
Peace, blessings, and a very happy Thanksgiving – Pastor Aaron