Thanksliving

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

It is awesome that we live in a country that still sets aside a day to thank God for His blessings. It is sad that many in our country, probably the majority will go through the entire day without really acknowledging God. They will eat lots, get together with family that they really don't like (grumbling about them all the way there and grumbling about them all the way home), watch football, watch movies and never once stop to give thanks to the Lord for His blessings. Nevertheless, it is awesome that we set aside a day in our country for the purpose of remembering the Lord's provision.

Time for confession. I was sitting here a few minutes ago feeling sorry for myself. My wife is a Registered Nurse and has to work today. Chances are she won't get off until 8:30 or 9:00 tonight.I happen to love her and I miss her. It's Thanksgiving day and I would like to be with her today. In the middle of my pity party, the thought occurred to me, it's Thanksgiving and I should spend some time with the Lord this morning telling Him how much I appreciate Him and what I am thankful for instead of sitting here feeling sad about what I don't have. .....As I started to tell God all the things that I could think of that I was thankful for, it suddenly dawned on me that I had stopped feeling sorry for myself. I noticed that I had been released from my little pity party. Right at the exact time that I had that thought, the phone rang and it was Kay. She said, "I had a free moment and wanted to call and say happy Thanksgiving, and I love you. Save me some food I am going to eat no matter how late I get home tonight." She only had time to talk for about two minutes, but I felt like that was God's little gift to me. I just said, "Thank you Lord. Forgive me for feeling sorry for myself earlier."

Feeling sorry for ourselves for what we don't have is the opposite of a thankful spirit. I am reminded of something this morning. It is impossible to thank God and think about what you don't have that you would like to have at the same time. If we will just learn to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in our lives, Thanksgiving can be more than just a holiday.....it can be a lifestyle.....thanksliving!

From the Hester family to you and yours: Happy Thanksgiving!!!