THANKFULLNESS FOR THANKSGIVING

“The person I have the most trouble with is the person I see in my mirror every day”. I’m not sure where this wise statement came from, but it is me!

As we all know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for some reason I have forgotten what Thanksgiving is all about. My mind is preoccupied with how much work I have to do in the next couple of days to pull this thing off! Now that stinks! I love holidays, I love family, and I love everyone having the opportunity to be TOGETHER. We never know what next year will bring.

I’m not real happy with that girl in the mirror!

Yes, I tell that “face” in the mirror I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but am I? Do I have time? Jesus walked away from his busyness for quiet time with God - so do I do that? Or maybe do I push through the busyness on my own? Do I let someone else's feelings or thoughts towards me affect me or do I rest in the fact that I am loved by God and that is all that really matters? Do I live a life that overflows with God's love towards others because I have stopped and taken the time to be with Him or do I just walk by those people that require more patience than I have to give? All the answers to theses questions scare me.

I have not been faithful to the one who loves me the most!

Holidays can be difficult at times to see God’s blessings; the holidays are not always full of good memories for all people. Even though I grew up with little money, I have wonderful memories of the holidays. Some people are forced to deal with tragedies and struggles even on holidays.  What we must remember that even during these difficult times it’s important to never forget that “God loves us and is always there for us.” We can be assured of his love for us and find comfort in his blessing.  In hard times or times of blessing, we should never be without thankfulness.

Psalm 100 (NIV) reminds us, “Shout for joy to the Lord, al the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

God's love will show itself in abundance if we will only be still and focus on Him — if we will quit focusing solely on ourselves and our “to do” lists and open ourselves up to Him. 

Guess I just needed a reminder to stop and thank God for his goodness and what better time to remember His blessings than on a holiday that was meant for giving thanks.

Wishing you and your family the BEST Thanksgiving ever!

Kelly