So, once again the frenzy begins. Each year it seems that the celebration of Christmas begins more and more early; this year many stores had decorations up even before Halloween was over! Today we are supposedly observing Thanksgiving Day, but I wonder at what it is we are being thankful for and to whom we are thanking. In light of the chaos of “Black Friday” and the horrific behavior of those who fight as though they are battling some implacable enemy rather than just another poor soul trying to get presents for their loved ones…the idea of their having blood in their eyes and anger in their hearts for any and all who get in the way is another thing.
Anyway, this ‘thanksgiving’ thing; what is it all about? What is this national injunction to be thankful and for what are we supposed to be thankful? Many feel they have little or nothing to be thankful for; in light of recent events in our troubled world and nation, it does seem difficult to be thankful. Between the very real threat of terrorism, the rising concern over the Russian and Chinese military threat and our own natural proclivity for invective and violence, perhaps one thing we can be thankful for is the ability to pull the covers over our heads and sing that old country song, Make the World Go Away!
An observation I’ve made several times is that many with a great deal to be thankful for often are not; indeed many of the über rich seem only focused on the idea of wanting more (I’m reminded of the quote attributed to JD Rockefeller regarding how much is enough; “…just a little more…” This past Sunday, Pastor Jay Thomas remarked that enjoying what you have is not necessarily bad; recognizing that all good things come from our Father helps keep things in perspective, but still there is the nagging itch when I consider so many within a five minute drive of where I live who have little or nothing physically for which to be thankful. I’ve spent time at Antioch Baptist Church in Durham on Christ-mas day with their ministry to the homeless; the thought of living on the street without even the most basic shelter to call home is beyond my imagining and I often do think of them while in our new home. What is amazing is the thankfulness and grace that many of those bereft of all earthly comforts have; it is as if deprived of all the ‘normal’ things they realize that what really matters cannot be counted on a spreadsheet or inventory of belongings. So, thankfulness; what is it? It is an understanding that no matter how much or how little in the way of possessions we have, it is all ephemeral and like a wisp of smoke that is quickly blown away in the wind. Friends who stand with you matter far more than any earthly riches, especially that one Friend who is always ready to listen, to comfort and encourage us who call to Him in faith. I do have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day; chief among those is the God who called me and continues to lead me Homeward and those of like faith who walk with me as we journey Home.
Anything else is really just gravy; yes such is nice (friends, family, health and home), but all that is really needful is my eyes fixed on the One who gave so much so I could arrive Home one day.
Anyway, this ‘thanksgiving’ thing; what is it all about? What is this national injunction to be thankful and for what are we supposed to be thankful? Many feel they have little or nothing to be thankful for; in light of recent events in our troubled world and nation, it does seem difficult to be thankful. Between the very real threat of terrorism, the rising concern over the Russian and Chinese military threat and our own natural proclivity for invective and violence, perhaps one thing we can be thankful for is the ability to pull the covers over our heads and sing that old country song, Make the World Go Away!
An observation I’ve made several times is that many with a great deal to be thankful for often are not; indeed many of the über rich seem only focused on the idea of wanting more (I’m reminded of the quote attributed to JD Rockefeller regarding how much is enough; “…just a little more…” This past Sunday, Pastor Jay Thomas remarked that enjoying what you have is not necessarily bad; recognizing that all good things come from our Father helps keep things in perspective, but still there is the nagging itch when I consider so many within a five minute drive of where I live who have little or nothing physically for which to be thankful. I’ve spent time at Antioch Baptist Church in Durham on Christ-mas day with their ministry to the homeless; the thought of living on the street without even the most basic shelter to call home is beyond my imagining and I often do think of them while in our new home. What is amazing is the thankfulness and grace that many of those bereft of all earthly comforts have; it is as if deprived of all the ‘normal’ things they realize that what really matters cannot be counted on a spreadsheet or inventory of belongings. So, thankfulness; what is it? It is an understanding that no matter how much or how little in the way of possessions we have, it is all ephemeral and like a wisp of smoke that is quickly blown away in the wind. Friends who stand with you matter far more than any earthly riches, especially that one Friend who is always ready to listen, to comfort and encourage us who call to Him in faith. I do have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day; chief among those is the God who called me and continues to lead me Homeward and those of like faith who walk with me as we journey Home.
Anything else is really just gravy; yes such is nice (friends, family, health and home), but all that is really needful is my eyes fixed on the One who gave so much so I could arrive Home one day.
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