THIS IS A TIME FOR BEING THANKFUL
LORD HEAR MY HEART WHEN I SAY THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Recipe for Friendship
2 heaping cups of patience
1 heartful of love
2 handfuls of generosity
1 headful of understanding
a dash of humor
Sprinkle generously with kindness and plenty of faith.
Mix well.
Spread over a lifetime and serve to everyone you meet.
A THANKFUL LIFE
I just came back from visiting my family in Georgia again and I am so reminded of who I am in Christ every time I am there. It’s kind of funny that my reminding only comes when I have failed yet another test to be loving and kind.
Let me explain, when I prepare for a visit I consider myself prayed up (if that can ever happen), and ready to face the challenges. Why do I say challenges? I say this because everyone wants to pull me in so many different directions when I get there. Not everyone, of course, but I feel like it sometimes.
I guess some of you say, be glad they want to see me, right? Well yes you are right. The test I failed was not being thankful. It is so easy to sit and complain that my sisters want me here, my niece wants me with her (and her three girls), and my husband (whose vacation it really is), wants me traveling with him to every golf course that he can get on, and of course a mother-in-law who loves me and loves talking to me ALL THE TIME!
The Lord reminds me that all of these are blessing, not something to complain about. And of course He is right!
When I travel to Georgia it is a great blessing to have all of those above-mentioned people still living and breathing and wanting to see me. How grateful I am to be able to say I am going HOME for a visit. That means I have something and someone to look forward to seeing. In the end of things I am reminded of how thankful I really am for family, friends and social acquaintances.
Thanksgiving holiday reminds me and what is all about. I am looking forward to sharing this year’s holiday with my son and his family of in-laws. This year is different because my husband and I won’t be with our friends and adopted family this year. It will be breaking a long tradition.
This year we will be with our son’s family which won’t just include his wife and children, but his wife’s mother, father, grandparents from Mexico, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. We are talking about 60
to 75 people for Thanksgiving Dinner and weekend visits. How exhausting just thinking of it, but how exciting just the same.
We had holiday dinners with them years ago. We were invited into their homes and hearts without skipping a beat. It did not matter that we were a different race, culture and language. We all made it work. They were so kind. This too is what I think Thanksgiving is all about.
It’s about crossing over boundaries and tearing down walls and past hurts. Tear them all down and do fresh anew! Come to the home, table or job and show them Christ not crisp. Show them love not lashings. Serve others don’t wait to be served.
So please don’t limit yourselves by locking your thoughts and actions into being all about you. Stretch out and choose this day to show whom you serve with all gentleness toward your family, friends and even those who are not so friendly.
Be thankful in all circumstances and be gentle in all your ways and display a loving character for all to see.
And if you are struggling with this, here are some Scriptures that can give you a boost!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:16-17
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Psalm 50:14
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Psalm 105:1
Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
There are so many more in the Word of God just look them up and share with the rest of us.
Be blessed and Happy Thanksgiving
Betty