As I sit here in the early morning light, a tiny dog curled up beside me, I remember Thanksgiving days from the past. Early morning deer hunts with my father, brother and friends. Frost on the windshield and the smell of momma's biscuits baking. I think of truck stop's and drivers, friends caught away from home, doing a job that few really can appreciate. Family for the moment and then on down the road with a heavy load to deliver. I remember piles of food, laughing children, arguing over football games and loving it all.
I think of what folks are thankful for and all the messages of goodwill that are sent by snail-mail, e-mail and phone. I contemplate the truthfulness of the messages that I send. Do I really mean it when I say, Have a Blessed Day, or is this just habit and politeness? Gotta say I do mean it (cause I do). My life is so blessed and full. God has done so much for me, in me and through me, that I have to give thanks to Him for it all. Is this what Thanks giving really is about? I know that the official government holiday is in commemoration of the early settlers and pilgrims. They gave thanks to Jehovah for safety, and harvest and family. But, is that what Thanksgiving is really about?
I have to say, unequivically, YES, that is what Thanksgiving is about. It is about the family, food, traditions and memories. It is about thanking our Creator God for all that he has provided. It is about thanking him for not zapping us when we fail Him. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the salvation that God provided through the blood of His Son. It is about the future that he has planned for each of us and for the opportunities that will come, all because of His Love for us.
Let today be the day that we make the decision: " I will give thanks, daily, to GOD, for all He has provided, all He has done, and all He will do, in my life. I give thanks for these things in the lives of my family and friends. I give thanks to God for His son, who died freely on the cross to give me redemption for my sins and a future in His presence."
Let us all give Thanks, today and everyday!
