Since Thanksgiving Day falls on a Thursday (as always), I’m posting this a day early. You’ll have a lot of better things to do that holiday than ponder my random thoughts. But I didn’t want to ignore Thanksgiving Day, since most of us have so much for which to be thankful. Perhaps more than we realize.
Recently I viewed a very unusual Thanksgiving song on YouTube with the title, “I Am Thankful.” It’s sung by a group of young children, sweet little songbirds holding signs citing things for which they’re thankful. If you have ever thought, ‘I don’t have much to be thankful for,’ you need to watch this simple video.
Their list covers a wide range of things, many of which we so easily take for granted: Dancing. Singing. Grandparents. Vacations. Nature. Seasons. Animals. Food. Art. Jesus. Rain. Sunshine. Pets. Family members. School. Prayer. Godly parents. Books. Music. Freedom.
Many other things could have been included in this song, but you get the idea.
Most mornings when I awaken the first thought that comes to my mind is, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow, or next week, so we can and should be thankful for each new day.
Are you employed? You can be thankful for that, because many are actively searching for employment. Even if it’s not your ideal job, you don’t like the hours you have to work, or have an unreasonable boss, at least you’re able to pay bills and put food on the table. And it’s not a life sentence. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” This time next year you might find yourself in a totally different situation, but God has you where you are for a reason.
Perhaps you’re going through a dark time in your life, facing challenges of one kind or another. How are we supposed to be thankful then? If we believe God is sovereign (ultimately in control) and that He desires the best for each of us, then we can give thanks despite adverse circumstances. James 1:2-4 exhorts us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Difficult times may test our patience, perseverance – and our faith – but God allows them in our lives to accomplish His purposes in our lives, even if it’s not clear what those might be. Many of us are familiar with Romans 8:28 which declares, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
If you’re not going through difficult circumstances, you can be thankful for that. Because in this fallen, broken world, we know hardships and adversity will find us eventually, often when we least expect them. We have the promise of Ephesians 1:3 which states, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” I can’t say that I fully comprehend all that entails, but being “blessed…with every spiritual blessing in Christ” sounds like a great place to be.
I wish you and your family a truly blessed Thanksgiving Day, perhaps beyond your greatest expectations. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20).
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Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, ”Marketplace Ambassadors”; “Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace”; “Tufting Legacies,” “The Heart of Mentoring,” and “Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart.” A weekly business meditation he edits, “Monday Manna,” is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.