BY JEFFREY H. SYPOLE

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: because His mercy endures forever.”  

~ Psalm 118:1

This year, as we observe our season of thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only in word but also in deed. Let our gratitude find expression in a resolve to live a life more unselfish and more consecrated to Jesus Christ. When we sit around our tables this year, laden with sumptuous delicacies, let us not forget that half the world will go to bed hungry. As we enjoy the comforts of our cozy homes, let us not forget that great numbers in other parts of the world have no homes to go to. When we step into our sleek automobiles, let us not forget that most people in the world cannot afford even a bicycle.

In the Lord’s Prayer, we read: “Give us this day our daily bread.”  (Matthew 6:11). Scripture teaches that the good things of this life are the gifts of God, and that He is the donor of all our blessings. Thanksgiving? Yes.

We all have a lot to be thankful for. If you belong to Jesus, you should be thanking Him every single day for the opportunity you have to follow Him. He has done much for us and He wants to do so much more!

Many times in life we can look at a glass as half empty or half full. Listen to this from an unknown author. It’s called “THINGS I’M THANKFUL FOR.”

• The mess to clean up after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
• The taxes I pay, because it means that I’m employed.
• The clothes that fit a little too snugly, because it means I have enough to eat.
• My shadow who watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
• A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
• The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking.
• All the complaining I hear about our government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
• My huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
• The lady behind me in church who sings off-key, because it means that I can hear.
• The piles of laundry and ironing, because it means my loved ones are nearby.
• Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been productive.
• The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I’m alive.
• The Old Rugged Cross, because it means my faith is in Jesus Christ.

Let us get on our knees humbly and thank God for the blessings He has given us, both material and spiritual. They have come from His kind and merciful hand. But let’s not just pray however, let’s do something. How about we step up this month and pay it forward by giving food and other essentials to Crisis Control, Samaritan Ministries, or the Salvation Army? How about a monetary donation towards any charity that helps find real solutions to poverty or helps build communities for the less fortunate? There is so much we can do to demonstrate our thankfulness to a generous God. When we act in this way, we let the “Son” shine.

Laurie and I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a happy Thanksgiving this year!