For the Lord Is Good, Give Thanks

Psalm 107:21 states, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.”

As we approach another Thanksgiving Day, we pause to give thanks for many reasons. This morning we opened our eyes and were able to rise and see the glories of a new day. Many of us will spend time with families and friends. Some of us may choose to spend it alone in the quiet of our thoughts because it is a well-deserved day of rest. It is the day when we put aside thoughts about what we should have, could have and would have done. As we reflect on what we have to be thankful for today, remember the small things that bring us joy.

For me, it is the love of family and being able to spend this day laughing as my mother takes the last piece of pumpkin pie while my brother watches and shakes his head. I am thankful for my friends. They bring a great deal of joy to my life because they remember me, love me, and pray for me. I am often reminded by my community of sisters that show me that I matter and that I am the daughter of the King. I am thankful for the little things like having the everyday necessities, a place to live, a place of employment, and colleagues who carry a flame of passion for what they do. I am thankful for the freedom that allows me to live without fear in a war-torn country, the freedom that allows me to converse freely with others, the freedom that allows me to smile and exchange pleasantries, the freedom that allows me to be educated,  the freedom that allows me to practice my faith unconditionally, and the freedom to be the person who is fearfully and wonderfully designed.

While I am thankful for so much, I do not want to dismiss or take for granted the everyday actions in life: a gentleman holding the door open; the smile of a stranger; the luxury of hot water; a shower; lights; toiletries; basic needs; provisions; friends; fresh air; wellness; and life. 

We must also not forget to be thankful in the hard times. We have all gone through a season of sickness, sadness, weeping, marital issues, family dissension, or brokenness. Some of us may still be going through one or more of these seasons but know that God has a purpose. And when you come out of this season (and you will!), you will see with eyes wide open what God has been teaching you, how He has been comforting you, how He has been providing for you, and how He has been protecting you. Give thanks, for God is good!

In my profession, I have the opportunity to listen to young people talk about various topics. But no topic is more interesting than the conversations about parents.  I get to listen to how parents don’t understand, how they need to listen more, or how they need to handle a situation right.  The perspectives between parents and young people are amazingly different, and young people think that they have more modern answers to world problems, family dynamics, academics, finances, and life in general. I chuckle because they don’t always understand that their parents are trying to guide and encourage them so that they won’t get hurt or make the same mistakes. (Of course, we never acted like them). We all must learn life lessons that help us acquire revelation knowledge and deepen our appreciation for the wise sages in our lives. It is through our own experiences that we are thankful for childhood chores, nuggets of wisdom, unsolicited advice, boundaries, truth, ethics, faith, and unconditional love. At some point, we have all discovered that we need to be thankful for what is and has always been right in front of us. The refreshing reward for parents is that once young people have lived a little, they return to thank you for your many sacrifices and words of wisdom. Secretly, we are always thankful that the lesson(s) has been learned, and these are the stories and lessons that are repeated at dinner every Thanksgiving.

Our challenge this Thanksgiving is to get out of our heads and our own space and share the gift of thankfulness. Today, tip the Starbucks baristas; thank a frontline worker for their service and sacrifice; tell the service station attendant that you appreciate him working on a holiday; invite the elderly neighbor over for dinner or dessert, or invite the lonely neighbor’s child to play games. Let’s take the time to tell the people how much they mean to us. Pause and give thanks for living through a pandemic and maintaining during an economic downturn. As we give thanks, let’s also pray for political, racial, and social unrest that leaves so many unwelcomed scars. During this day of peace and celebration, flood the world with speech and actions of thankfulness. Make Don Moen’s song Give Thanks, the theme of today.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving 11/25/2021

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