Thanksgiving is this week. I love this day. Turkey. Dressing. Pumpkin pie. Football. The Cowboys versus whoever on this day. There are a number of other reasons, though, why I am thankful.
I am thankful to be loved by God. To think he loved me to the point of allowing his son to die on my behalf. And–through the Spirit, God raised him from the dead.
I am thankful for the people who in some way add value to my life. For my family–my wife and two daughters–and now a new son-in-law. Their confidence in me has made me a better husband, father, and man.
I am thankful for daily grace. Everyday I experience God’s rich gifts which I receive as his grace. The taste of good coffee. A smile from a person at a restaurant. An encouraging conversation with a person.
I am thankful for forgiveness. The longer I live and the more I come to know God, the more I become aware of my desperate need for his mercy. Sensing such a need has a way of humbling me before God and others.
I am thankful for friends. For people who in many ways communicate that I matter to them. I am reminded this week of the importance of communicating this to them as well.
I am thankful for small moments of everyday joy. The taste of dark chocolate. Wonderful fajitas. Laughter. The intensity of a great ball game. The feeling after having just worked out. An unexpected e-mail from an encourager.
I am thankful for the church. This past Sunday morning after the assembly, three widows approached me, each one hugging me. Small children speak to me and remind me of the pleasure of being a child. The kids in our life group and at church. The two young couples recently expressed appreciation to me for being their minister. I know–sometimes a church can be very frustrating. I never want to forget, however, sweet people who constantly communicate their love and appreciation to me.
I am thankful for the way God has been so active in my life. I want to spend the rest of my life doing what counts. I want to think about what matters. I want my mind to be wrapped around the important things of life. After all, the creator is active in my life. Why do I want to waste it?