THANKSGIVING

Though it’s possible to harbor a spirit of ingratitude, it’s…how can I put this delicately…DUMB!

Seriously, not only does it make life miserable, it defies reality. Yes, of course, there are people who have hurt us, circumstances that have detoured us from our dreams, and realities in this world that can make sane and caring people angry…very angry. BUT, we have been gifted life. And, though it comes with some shadows, it’s an incomparable gift.

Today, we’re alive. Seriously, there’s no greater adventure than life. There’s our reason for gratitude. We have the opportunity to love and be loved. We have within our power the ability to dream of new realities and actually be part of bringing them to life. We can give and experience the power of forgiveness. We can search for and experience truth, freedom, meaning, fulfillment, peace, joy, and hope.

And, of course, the potential of searching for and experiencing these positive realities leads to another reason to be grateful…Jesus Christ made them possible. When Jesus entered this world filled with and defined by darkness, destruction, and death, He announced that He came to bring “life and life to the full.”  So, His love, His coming, His sacrifice, His life…have given us, no matter what negative realities we’ve experienced, everything to be grateful for.

Yes, I’m thankful for a beating heart, but, as multitudes sadly prove every day, that’s no guarantee of truly living. No. The life that gives reason for perpetual gratitude is the life that Jesus came to give us. I’m so grateful to know it. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to share it with others. I’m hopeful that you and those you love are personally experiencing it today. If not, I have great joy in knowing that it’s available to you…to all.

There are no better words to read, understand, and put into practice than those Paul penned in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  ”Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Okay…now it’s time for family and food.