Did you ever help someone meet a need and not even receive a “Thank you?”  Taking something for granted is a thankless wound.  Jesus healed ten lepers but only one returned to thank Him.  (Luke 17:15)

            Contrary to the world’s belief system of “He who has the most toys wins,” joy comes from knowing Jesus because “godliness with contentment is great gain”  (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV).  Giving thanks changes attitudes and creates peaceful relationships everywhere.  Think all of those in your life who have gone the extra mile, who have sacrificed and lifted you up when you were down.

            A simple “Thank you” makes everything better for the giver and for the recipient.  An attitude of gratitude displays humility and appreciation.  It’s all about being thankful today and every day. That makes a happy people

            Our founding fathers realized the importance of thanking God for His many blessings.  The Pilgrims endured many trials and hardships in seeking freedom, yet they endured, always trusting God.  Being thankful in their day of uncertainty reminded them of God’s providential care.  The Apostle Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:12-13 surely became their lifeline:  “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)  Paul also wrote from a prison cell knowing  death awaited him:  “I give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

            The German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, said before he was hanged:  “This is the end, but for me it is the beginning of life.”  He displayed a truly thankful attitude.

            Throughout history God never left His people.  He parted the Red Sea.  He rained manna from heaven.  He saved a race of people through Queen Esther.  He remained the fourth man in the fiery furnace.  The Bible contains many more stories of deliverance.

            God sent his own Son to die on a rugged cross in suffering and agony.  That is love my friend, love so deep it becomes hard to understand.  There should be an outpouring of thankfulness every day of the year. 

            Before you get caught up in the feast and football games this Thanksgiving, stop and remember God’s love and faithfulness.  God never runs out of blessings and He sends them every day.  Thanksgiving is a lifestyle.  God daily surrounds those who are obedient and thankful.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.  (Colossians 1:12-13)

            Please join me in a Thanksgiving prayer:

            “Thank You, Lord, for white fluffy clouds, in a lovely blue sky.

            For lush green grass, with cattle grazing close by,

            For the warm soft nuzzle of the pony’s tender nose,

            The kitten’s silky fur and the beauty of a rose,

            The frosty cold air of a long winter’s night,

            My husband’s arms as he holds me tight,

            For the sweet, sweet smell of new mown hay,

            The touch of my bed after a long hard day,

            The beauty of crops as they grow in the ground,

            An abundance of grain to spread all around,

            “So many blessings,” I think as I say

            Do we take them for granted?  “Please not,” I pray,

            May I always be grateful for Your goodness I see,

            And may others behold the JESUS in me.”

            America has endured many hardships but the blessings far outweigh the problems.

We, like the Pilgrims, are strong in courage and faith.  We are a thankful people.

            HAPPY THANKSGIVING DEAR READER!