With all the crazy that’s going on in this country right now, I’m especially thankful for Thanksgiving this year. To have a day set aside to simply focus on all the people and things in our lives that we are thankful for is awesome, and much needed.
As I was doing my Thanksgiving Dinner grocery shopping yesterday, I was overcome with gratitude for the simple fact that I have the ability to walk through a store and buy whatever food I might need … or even just want. For most people in the world, that is not their reality.
I don’t deserve the life that God has given me: my husband, my kids, my grandkids, our safe & cozy home, the food that fills our refrigerator and pantry, my closet full of clothes. I didn’t earn any of it by being better than people who don’t have as much. That’s not how it works with God. He especially loves each one of us, no matter who we are or where we live. I don’t know why God chose this life for me, but I’m grateful that He did.
I also know that we should never take our blessings for granted. Any or all of it could be taken from us at any time. And if we truly believe that…
- God is good
- and that He loves us
- and that He’s in control of everything that touches our lives
…then we need to accept the fact that whatever happens in our lives, it is somehow part of His perfect plan for us, and for this world.
And we know that God works all things together
for the good of those who love Him,
who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
I hope that this Thanksgiving you will make the effort to set aside everything else that is crashing around in your head and instead fill your mind with all the blessings in your life that God has given you. Think about all the things you have to be grateful for. Then thank God for them!
The story of God and man that the Bible tells shows us just how much He loves us. And it shows us that He has a plan for this world – and for each of our lives – that nothing can stop. If you would like to understand that simple story that is woven through the entire Bible, check out Bible Storyboards.