On Thanksgiving

Abraham Lincoln left an incredible legacy for the American people in 1863 when he declared that we should spend a day giving thanks for what God has blessed us with. In my honest humble opinion this was an incredible legacy and a holiday that we as Christians should take very seriously. One of the big mistakes I think a lot of people make, and I most certainly include myself in this camp, is that we see Thanksgiving as only a time for food and football. My challenge to you this year is to see Thanksgiving as something more. Here are a few thoughts and perspective I have on arguably one of my favorite holidays.

1) Make a list of your blessings. It is funny that we as human beings can very easily recall areas in life where we feel disappointed and let down. We might think that we don't drive a nice enough car, don't have a big enough IRA, aren't as successful as we'd hope to be, or that relationship we'd been counting on just didn't work out. The list can go on and on and on. But, the truth is you have been blessed. If you're reading this right now, that means you've been blessed enough to afford a computer, Internet, and you've been blessed with the knowledge that directed you here. A lot of folks all over the world don't have access to things we take for granted like the Internet. So, I'm writing all of this not to make you feel bad. I want to highlight that you've been blessed. Thank the people who have been a blessing to you this Thanksgiving and pray for those who frustrate you. Lists of your blessings in visible sight will serve as a powerful reminder that you truly are blessed.

2) Live a life that is filled with gratefulness. One of the saddest things I've seen in my life is Christians who are so upset and miserable that it absolutely breaks my heart. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, states that we need to give thanks in everything. This is not just an incredible command, but also a lifestyle that I believe all Christians need to emulate. We as Christians need to be some of the most grateful people in the world, because we serve a God who wants to know and for us to know Him! This is one of the best pieces of news that we've ever heard! Be grateful for what God has done and is doing.

3) Thanksgiving should also be a time of giving. The sad reality is there are a lot of people who don't have enough to eat or live on in our world today. I would encourage you this Thanksgiving to be faithful to what God has laid on your heart to do in response to those who don't have enough. Because, the reality is you won't be able to do everything, but you can do something. Our world is broken, but we as Christians know how to bring healing into the world, and it's not just through giving and providing: it's through giving and providing all in the name of Jesus. I hope this Thanksgiving is extra special for you and your family. We'll be back in December.