As Thanksgiving approaches, perhaps it is time to take a moment and consider just how much we have to be thankful for. Sometimes we hesitate to take all our wants and concerns to God because we think they are too small or insignificant. After all, how can we bother God with our everyday worries when there are wars, cancer, suffering, and death in the world? But our heavenly Father is never too busy for us. He cares about the big things in our lives, and He cares about the little things, too. No concern is too small, no prayer too ordinary, and no burden too insignificant to bring before Him. We are His children, and He invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer.
Sometimes, when we have been through a difficult time, we become so anxious to return to our normal routines that we forget to stop and give thanks to the One who carried us through. When the test results are good, the surgery is over, the loved one is recovering, the storm has passed, or the problem has finally been resolved, we breathe a sigh of relief and move on. But before rushing back into the busyness of life, shouldn't we pause and thank God? He has heard our prayers, strengthened us in our worries, comforted us in our fears, and sometimes answered our prayers in ways we never expected. Let us not be so eager to put our troubles behind us that we forget the One who walked with us through them.
The elections are over. Whatever our political opinions or disappointments may be, perhaps we can all agree that it is time to turn our attention away from grumbling about what we think is wrong and start counting the many things God has done right. We can be thankful for family and friends, neighbors who care, a warm home, food on the table, the beauty of creation, and the simple gift of another day. We can give thanks for the blessings we often take for granted: a conversation, a child's laughter, a beautiful sunrise, a helping hand, or the peace that comes from knowing we are not alone. These everyday blessings are little foretastes of heaven, reminders of the goodness and grace that God showers upon us.
This Thanksgiving, let us remember that gratitude is more than a holiday tradition or a prayer before the meal. It is a way of looking at life through the eyes of faith. We will never have everything exactly the way we want it, and life will always bring its share of disappointments and unanswered questions. But we have a Father who loves us, a Savior who gave His life for us, and the sure promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. As Psalm 107:1 reminds us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!" May we spend less time counting what we think God has not done to our satisfaction and more time counting the blessings He has given us, both big and small. Happy Thanksgiving!
“1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]
4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]“
