In this nation, a quick review of our holidays reveals that we have so much to be thankful for throughout the year. We are thankful for the birth of this nation which, despite numerous imperfections, remains one of the greatest nations to live in. We are thankful for the soldiers who fought to establish and preserve this nation, both those who returned home and those who gave the last great measure of devotion. We are thankful for those remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the fabric of this country. We are thankful for the events that have changed our lives forever.
Our holidays pay tribute to the greatest features of this nation, providing us with several days to pause and give thanks. Yet today, we have a day dedicated to the idea that we have so much to be thankful for every single day of our lives. Yes, the first unofficial thanksgiving feast was to commemorate a successful harvest, and yes, the first official thanksgiving day was in the midst of a rather uncivil war, but the essence of thanksgiving is found from a verse of Scripture that proclaims: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes 5:18).
No matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, there are countless reasons to give thanks. That may seem hollow when sitting at the bedside of a dying loved one, but the pain of that moment is only felt because there are so many precious moments that have been enjoyed. For those moments, we should give thanks. When the bank account is at zero or in the red, we should be mindful of the billions who never even thought of having enough money to put in a bank, and we should give thanks. When our joints ache and we can barely muster the energy to get out of bed, we should think of those times when we moved about with vigor, and we should give thanks. For your ability to read and comprehend this brief message, we should recognize that we have skills and tools that so many do not, and we should give thanks.
Today is a holiday that should inspire an attitude of gratitude in our hearts every day. If you were to spend the entire day today putting together a list of things that we are thankful for, that same list could be read tomorrow or the next day. In fact, the best day to read that list isn’t on a holiday when family and friends gather around the table to have a time of feasting and fellowship. The real power of a list of things to be grateful for is demonstrated on those days when we don’t feel like being thankful for anything. On those days, and in those moments, our emotions deceive us and paint a bleak picture of life. Fortunately, the truth is so much greater. You have been blessed, in so many ways, and when we stop to count those blessings, we see that our account isn’t at zero or in the red, but rather our account is simply overflowing.
My friends, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving day today, and may your gratitude extend far beyond the shelf live of the leftovers.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron