Thursday is Thanksgiving! It will be a different Thanksgiving, no doubt. The table might not be as crowded. For some, not as joyful. For others, extremely lonely. In this crazy, frightful pandemic year we’ve done a lot of things differently. But I do want to remind you, we have much to be thankful for. While many have died, and I do not diminish that in the least, the survival rate with this virus is very high. From the reports coming in, treatments are being improved and early reports are vaccines are performing well. Despite the news of racial unrest, political turmoil and angry protest, daily I’ve witnessed acts of kindness, selflessness and sacrificial service. We can choose to focus on the problems, on what’s wrong and how we’ve been slighted or we can look for the evidence of God’s grace and mercy. It’s a matter of perspective. Perspective, that’s at the heart of gratitude. Perspective does not deny the reality of problems or the injustice that abounds, rather it puts it in its proper place. It recognizes its true size. Those things are viewed in their proper proportion.
I would encourage you to spend some time in the Scripture this week and give thanks to the LORD for His goodness and grace. Perhaps meditate on Psalm 65 and give thanks for His saving grace, His mighty power and His bountiful provision. Or read through Psalm 145 and give thought to the character and nature of God and our reason for giving Him praise. Take some time and “catalogue” His mercies in your life and experience this year, and give thanks. I’ve already started and so let me say, “I’m thankful for you!” We have such a loving church family. In times such as these, words are inadequate to express appreciation for the love, prayers and support of a church family. I am thankful for your love, your faithfulness, your service and your giving. I’m thankful for the fact you live out your faith. I’m thankful for the privilege of serving as your pastor.
Yes, it’s different this year. But then different can be a good thing. Sometimes the difference causes us to see what we didn’t or couldn’t see before. It’s worth thinking about.
I’ll see you Sunday!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Rod