Thanks Giving

I love the day that forces us to pause to give thanks for God's presence in our lives through our sufferings and challenges and in the joy and successes, for our food, family and friends. I love the cleaning, decorating, recipe hunting, cooking and mostly the realization Advent and the Christmas season is upon us.

Below is a reflection on giving thanks written by a friend. Enjoy. Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one.

“Thanks Giving”

“Thanksgiving” can be a wonderful holiday and a very blessed day. But true THANKS GIVING is an attitude of deep appreciation for the many gifts God has given us. In this time of economic distress, many of the “things” we have taken for granted may have changed, but there are gifts which remain that truly are “more precious than gold.” The greatest blessing is our faith in our loving Lord. To be more real to us, this Lord has given us special relationships — family and friends — who walk with us on this life’s journey.

Perhaps this Thanksgiving Day can be a beginning of a SEASON OF THANKS, a time to really think about, cherish, and thank God for individuals who have touched our lives. The season of ADVENT— preparation for Christmas -- follows Thanksgiving. I feel challenged this year to use the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to focus each day on one individual who has blessed me. And I extend the same invitation to you.

Some of these people continue to be part of our everyday lives. Some may have passed away, but they are still very much alive in our hearts.

The person I’d like to thank God for today is my sister Sandy. In two weeks she’ll be celebrating a ‘special birthday.’ I would never tell her age because she is three years older than I — and someone might do the math.

Sandy’s life has blessed so many — and today I am so thankful that she has blessed ME. Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday, and each year she invites us all to her home. So on this special day, I thank God for her love and her faithful life. She is always ‘there’ for family and friends and others in need.

St. Paul wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine, making request for you with all joy.” (Philippians 1:3,4)

Dear Lord,
Teach us to have a greater awareness and genuine THANKS GIVING for those individuals who bless our lives. May a daily awareness of these people strengthen our gratitude and prepare us to cherish THE GREATEST GIFT whom we celebrate on Christmas. Amen.