Thanksgiving: Realizing Plenty

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Thanksgiving is not, in itself, a religious holiday but it does give us time to pause and reflect on our blessings and give thanks to God. As humans, we tend to focus on what we don’t have, what we want rather than need, and what our lives would be like if things in general were different.

The definition of thanksgiving – the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God – is often lost in the rush of this American holiday. Between setting the table, roasting the turkey, mashing the potatoes, and baking the sweets, we seemed to have lost the grateful heart this holiday once embodied.

While visiting with family and friends today, take the time to give thanks to God for your many blessings. Be thankful for all that you have and even for what you don't have. Realize what is plenty and give thanks to God with a grateful heart.