“We should spend as much time in thanking God for His benefits as we do in asking Him for them.”
St. Vincent de Paul
I’ll never forget an incident that happened thirteen years ago. One of my son’s first grade assignments was a drawing and description of what he was thankful for. He said he was thankful for his arms and legs. I asked him to tell me about it. He said, “Mom, do you remember Beth, who we met in Africa this summer? She had only stumps, in the place where her arms should be, but she could crochet because of a special tool. Do you remember the boys without arms who played catch with a beanbag using their feet?”
Out of the mouth of my babe, I was humbled. Even though I experienced what David experienced the summer before, he was changed and I simply went on with life, taking what I had for granted. The value of good health, job provision, family and friends can be lost if we’re not careful to stop and give thanks. Psalm 118:28 says, “You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
When was the last time you thanked God for your spouse, children, parents, or friends? When was the last time you thanked God for the roof over your head, ample food to eat, and a warm home to sleep in? When was the last time you thanked God for all He’s done for you so that you can have a personal relationship with Him today and be able to live with Him forever? If you’re like me, it’s easy to take things for granted.
Why not be different this Thanksgiving. Thank God for your arms and legs, your mind that thinks, you’re ability to express yourself or to feel emotions.
I’m thankful for you, my readers, who take the time to read the words I write. I write first and foremost because God has asked me to. Secondly, I write to encourage someone’s heart and to draw them closer to God.
I’m thankful this year our whole family will be together with our extended family in Arizona. I’m truly grateful for this. It seems I never have enough time with those I love.
Matthew Henry says, “Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better.” This Thanksgiving let’s thank God for the essentials in life. And let’s live a life of thankfulness all year round.
“Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.”
Michael Ramsay
Relevant Reflections:
1. What do you take for granted?
2. Spend time thanking God for those things.
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