So I'm sitting in my bedroom at 12:30a. It's officially Thanksgiving here in Des Plaines, IL and I want to write something on my blog. So what should it be? Some generic statements about this holiday or what foods I might eat tomorrow? No way. I want to write about the "thanks" I've gotten to hear this week.
Last Sunday, our church had everyone write down what they were thankful for. It was then my job to go through all of the cards and pick out different statements to be read at our service earlier tonight. The final product was a 7-minute narration done by 3 people. It was really something to hear.
But let me tell you...it was way better to get to read everything people had written. It's always encouraging to know that people are thankful and to know what for. But to see how thankful so many people were. They were basically screaming onto the paper their thankfulness, and it was clearly to God. So many had met Jesus for the first time in 2010. Others had gone through rough times but were absolutely aware of God's presence in their lives. Still others were thankful for new jobs, new family, food, our Armed Services, our church, God's Word, supportive friends, specific ministries, and on and on. Over 150 cards.
Overall, I was struck by the number of different things written on these cards. In other words, I thought there would be tons of duplicates. The same thing said in different ways. But there was fresh thought after fresh thought. New praise and new trial. It was wild. There is so much going on in people's lives!!! It's amazing! First, I don't know how God keeps track. And second, I don't know exactly how to describe to you what I read, but just take my word...much is going on and there is much to be thankful for.
Now we pause. Let's think about life around us. So many people spend their days complaining...about family, jobs, money, homes, pets, cities, weather. Maybe it's all day. Maybe it's just parts of the day. But so many of us do it. Yes you! But when we stop and really do things God wants us to do (like on this holiday), our whole mentality shifts. It changes something in us. My question: I wonder how we keep it there? "Living Thanksgiving all year round" just doesn't seem to actually work. Does it?
I sort of have an answer to that question. I've got a routine I've figured out to stay thankful. It's simple and not really a big deal. So no need to discuss it. But I've thought it through. I would encourage you to stop, make a list, and be thankful. Today. But then really think about my question and make it your own: "How do I keep it there?" Or even: "How do I keep me there?" Want a hint: The first thing my Grandma wrote on her card this year, "of course, grace and mercy." Of course. :)
