A THANKSGIVING LIST
Written by Luz Leigh – 21 November 2007
One of my
former pastors said that Thanksgiving is his
favorite holiday. At first I thought that odd
coming from a minister of the Gospel. One
would think he would say “Easter, when we
celebrate the Risen Lord” or “Christmas when
we celebrate the birth of the Christ
Child.” But no, he said “Thanksgiving.” You
know he just may have something there.
Thanksgiving
is a day set aside in America to give thanks
for all the Lord has done for us. We could
begin with the birth of Jesus which Christians
should be remembering as the birthday of our
Christ. Thank you, Lord, for sending that
little babe in the manger. But thank goodness
the story doesn’t end there. It culminates at
Easter time when we remember the Resurrection
of the Lord. The baby is sweet; but the Risen
Lord is glorious.
What will
you be saying thanks for this year? Besides
Jesus’ life and resurrection which provides
your salvation, do you have a list of things
for which you will say thank you? I do. Not in
any particular order and certainly all are not
listed here, I will offer a prayer of
thanksgiving for my life through which I
struggle to serve Him, my church, my health,
my family, my home (and the fact it is paid
for), my retirement benefits which allow me to
live without having to ask my children for
financial assistance, Medicare and my
supplement insurance, my car (also paid for),
good neighbors, living in a neighborhood where
I can rest at night without fear of gunfire
erupting, our armed forces who are serving
their/our country so you and I may have all
the freedoms that we enjoy, and for my cat who
keeps me company. My list could go on and on,
but you get the idea.
Consider
making a list before Thanksgiving Day is
over. You need not share it with anyone other
than the Lord, but it will help you be aware
of all the things He has provided for you.
Let’s see,
sunshine, rain when we need it, warm clothing
to protect against the cold weather, fans and
air conditioning in the summer time, my
friends, including those in cyberspace, the
great love my children share among each other
and with me. The list continues.
In Psalm
95:2 it says “Let us come before His presence
with thanksgiving”. Will YOU come before Him
in that manner? I hope so.
