Happy Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)

It has been over a month since I have shared anything on this blog. I can attribute my lack of posts due to several factors. 1) It seems that my personal and Pastoral challenges/opportunities have been very time consuming over the past few weeks. 2) I will also confess that I have faced the challenge of "writers block" in which I questioned my ability to be inspirational, thought provoking or at least informational. 3) I think that I almost grew complacent or even content with not sharing any of my thoughts or ideas on this blog. BUT early this "Thanksgiving" morning the Spirit began to stir in my heart some ideas that I felt led to share with you.

Today is what we refer to in America as "Thanksgiving Day." The words "Happy Thanksgiving" have become somewhat a part of our American culture. We see it written on greeting cards as well as in our daily conversation with our friends, family, fellow employees and even complete strangers during various interactions leading up to Thanksgiving. These words have almost become as iconic as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays."

But what are you thinking or feeling when you say the words have a "Happy Thanksgiving?" I was awakened early this morning with a new concept that I feel God placed in my heart. I will use the following words to describe some of the thoughts that began to flood my mind this morning. "Am I truly happy in being thankful? Has my thankfulness become something that I am expected to demonstrate to others? Is my thankfulness genuine and sincere? Do I appreciate the small things as much as the big things in my life? Do I measure my thankfulness on what I possess or what possesses me? Am I thankful because I feel guilty if I am not thankful? Am I thankful because I think God expects me to be thankful or am I thankful because I sense such a great desire to express my thankfulness to God?

I encourage you to take a fresh look or approach to today's celebration. Today is much more than food, fellowship, football games, pre-Christmas sales or a day off from work. Today is a day in which we can take a look at our lives and see the blessings of God. Today is a day to celebrate smiles. Today is a day to celebrate memories. Today is today to celebrate friendships. Today is a day to celebrate with our family and recognize the benefits/blessings of being a member of the family of God. 

Today is a day to honor our Heavenly Father and appreciate His Providence, His Protection, His Presence, His Grace, His Mercy and His Love to name just a few of His attributes. Today is a day to be "Happy" and appreciative of the goodness of God and remember that His hand has been on your life. Today is a day to look around the room and appreciate those special people that God has placed in your life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!