FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THANKSGIVING

A time for relatives and friends to gather and feast on mouthwatering foods. A time we recognize from our past the path that our ancestors struck out on in the new world. The time of year we give thanks for the many blessings we have received throughout the year. But is this all we think of at this time of year? To who and for what are we giving thanks for? And why at this time of year only?

I have the opportunity to be around a wide variety of people throughout my working day. I say good morning to one, they reply-what's so good about it? I say good morning to another and they reply-good morning to you. I am amused and sometimes troubled by their responses. What's so good about morning? Well, the word of G~d states that, "Your joy cometh in the morning". So, when you wake up in the morning you should be filled with joy. Joy for what? Joy that you have another day to give thanks to G~d for His many blessings He bestows on you. Joy that you can see and be a witness to another sunrise. Joy that you can hear another day of birds chirping from the treetops, joy that you can witness and be a part of you children's lives. Joy that you are still alive and breathing G~d's wonderful gift of oxygen. And along with your joy should come thanksgiving. Give thanks unto the Lord for your very being and existence.

When we stop giving thanks to G~d every day of our lives we go on a sort of strike. What would happen if G~d treated us the same way we treated Him? What if He would only bestow any one of His precious gifts to us say once a year? Could you hold your breath for 364 days? Could you stand not to see the sun shine for 364 days? Could you go 364 days without a drink of water? Does this sound ridiculous? May be to you, but not to G~d our creator. The things we take for granted here on earth are some of His more precious gifts that we should find the joy in receiving and giving thanks for every moment that we have them. Don't take for granted the things you can't see, they are some of the more important things in life that we receive for free.

And on the flip side of this...if you are a pessimistic person, when you wake up to another morning you should give thanks that you have another day to try and be different. To try and love your fellow man as you aught to. To try to live a more G~dly life, to pray whole heartily for a renewing of your spirit. All is not lost if you can still draw a breath...it is when you are cold and dead that all is lost for eternity if you haven't found joy in the morning.

I am reminded of a poem that I cut out of a paper, I think it is very fitting for this time of year, I hope you are encouraged by the meaning:

IF G~D SHOULD GO ON STRIKE

How good it is that G~d above has never gone on strike;
Because He was not treated fair in things he didn't like.
If only once He'd given up and said, "That's it, I'm through," and
"I've had enough of thee on earth, so this is what I'll do."

"I'll give my orders to the sun, cut off the heat supply,
and to the moon give no more light and run the oceans dry.
Then just to make things really tough and put the pressure on,
turn off the vital oxygen till every breath is gone."

You know He would be justified, if fairness were the game;
For no one has been more abused or met with more disdain, than G~d;
And yet, He carries on, supplying you and me,
with all the favors of His grace and everything for free.

Men say they want a better deal, and so on strike they go;
But what a deal we've given to G~d to whom all things we owe.
We don't care who we hurt to gain the things we like;
But what a mess we'd all be in if G~d should go on strike.

Author unknown

Ephesians 5:20-"Giving thanks always for all things unto G~d and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Psalm 16:11-"Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand is pleasures for ever more."

Psalm 30:5-"For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

[FOOD FOR THOUGHT]

Last Updated on 08-Jan-08