Christian Living

A Time to be Thankful

Mary Wiley

Nov 24th

 

I don’t know about you, but today I really just need a deep breath and a few minutes. And may a short walk down the path above. And an extra cup of coffee.

In all the busyness of day-to-day life, I frequently turn to worry and frantic task-completion rather than gratitude. I so desire for that pause of thankfulness to expand into every day of my year, and not just when Thanksgiving is approaching.

May it be true of us as Christians, that when we turn on the news and hear of tragedies and terror, we turn to gratefulness for our God who holds us securely, no matter the situation.

When we hear about the persecution of Christians in the world, may we be reminded of all the amazing ways God used persecution to advance the Kingdom that we get to read about in the Bible. I am so thankful that God gave us a glimpse of the good that can come from such difficulty.

When we are overwhelmed by the un-ending tasks that we have, may we be thankful for our jobs, families, and responsibilities because they remind us of our purpose to live out the Gospel in each of these seemingly small things. They remind us of God’s provision and His lavish goodness toward us. These things remind us of our humanity; that we are finite and unable to do all God can do; yet He fights for us anyway, and for that I am so thankful!

When we hear about needs, may we be so moved by thankfulness for all we have been given that we respond with generosity.

May we be people marked by gratefulness because our King became lowly and paid the ultimate price so that we might know Him and be known by Him. And may every day be a day of thankfulness. Happy Thanksgiving!