Psalm 100:
4 – Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Many of us will drive hundreds of miles to Grandma’s house for turkey and all of the trimmings this Thursday, not even to mention some who will run the risk of being stuck in airports for hours with delays and lay overs to fly thousands of miles for one meal. For a minute or two it will be all about the food. But is it really about the food?
If so wouldn’t it be simpler to just stay home and eat? Maybe it is because, behind all of the Turkey and dressing, homemade rolls, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, collard greens, pumpkin pie, and cranberry relish, there truly is a grateful heart. A heart that looks forward to the hugs from loved ones and that wonderful since of belonging to a family and knowing that you are always welcomed because you are one of the gang.
I also am convinced that we are thankful to have one more time to share old stories and to have great laughs together and even to just get caught up. It’s funny how all of the childhood memories surface during this time, some that you enjoy hearing about and some that you would love for everyone to forget.
In our family for many years now, after dinner my dad will ask everyone to come into the living room, where my brother and his son will play the saxophone and or the family piano, while we all gather around and sing those old time Gospel songs we grew up on. Someone leads a prayer and my dad has always selected a scripture to read at this gathering; after which he will ask us to take turns sharing what we are thankful for. It gets pretty emotional, there is laughter and there are tears, it is such a special time. From the youngest to the oldest shares, we are all so blessed by hearing how God has worked and is working in each person’s life, and how he continues to graciously supply our every need. Before we all go our separate ways we usually hear a few words of wisdom from my mom and dad and we end with another family prayer. We leave with our hearts totally full and feeling thankful for sure. It is just a reminder of what a wonderful loving Savior we have and how he takes care of us all.
Although we may or may not have everything we desire we are still blessed beyond measure.
Giving thanks should be a daily practice. Why not start today expressing to God how much you appreciate Him and the many ways he chooses to bless you. Go a step farther keep a Gratitude Journal, recording your daily blessings; record them each night before you go to bed.
When your days seem unbearable get your journal and re-visit the goodness of the Lord. You will soon feel overwhelmingly rejuvenated. All of a sudden you will want to break into a full-blown praise session and rightfully so. He is a Great and Awesome God and He truly deserves our praise and thanksgiving. Enjoy your delicious meals and be sure to give God some praise.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Psalm 92:
1 – It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
