Giving thanks

People across our country today are celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Many people will eat turkey, enjoy football, visit with family, and enjoy a day of rest. We have come a long way from the small gathering at Plymouth in 1621. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the official holiday that we celebrate today.

For many people, today is the start of the Christmas season. As I sit at my dad's house and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I know that Santa's arrival on 34th Street is not far away. Tomorrow morning (or even late tonight), millions of shoppers will descend on stores opening early for "Black Friday" specials. This weekend, our family will set up our Christmas decorations. By Sunday evening, we will have our tree up and the lights on. To quote Andy Williams, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

But as followers of Jesus, let's not get lost in the turkey, football, and shopping. Let's make sure we take time to be thankful. The apostle Paul wrote, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

Whether it's the way you treat other people on Black Friday, your reactions to the craziness of the coming month, or your attitude towards your Christmas list, remember to frame everything through the Kingdom of God.

When he was talking to the Ephesians elders. Paul said, "I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:33-35)

In a season when every TV commercial seems to tell us to want, want, want, and take, take, take, let's fight against that trend and focus on giving. That begins with an attitude of thanksgiving. Whether it's Paul's words to the Colossians (quoted above) or his words to the church in Phlippi, our way of thinking shapes how we approach life. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul wrote, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 all this through him who gives me strength."

Thankfulness often emerges from the willingness to give. I have learned that the more I learn to be content, the easier it is to be thankful. We are surrounded by a society that ties our contentment to our possessions. Almost every commercial tells us that our happiness is dependent upon buying their product.

While there is nothing wrong with getting a new toy, television, or car, we cannot allow our joy to be controlled by what we do or do not have. The more I have learned to be content with whatever I have, the more thankful I have become for what I have. One of the ironies of life is that many of the most joyful people I have met in my life have been the ones who have the least. Whether it's people in Brazil, children in inner-city Cincinnati, or homeless people in Oakland County, I have often found the strongest sense of thankfulness in the lives of people who, from the world's perspective, have the least amount to be thankful for.

Take time today to reflect on what you have instead of what you don't have. In last few weeks I have been reminded of what is truly important in life. Jeremy's death has reminded me that stuff isn't all that important, but that relationships are the most valuable things we share. Make sure that in this season of thankfulness that you take time to celebrate and focus on the relationships that you have. Hug your family. Make time for friends. Thank God for the people that are important to you. The ultimate gift is not anything you can buy. It's your time and presence in the lives of others than is the greatest thing you can give.

shine!
Jason