This Week – # 11 (11/16/03)

Thanksgiving

We’re just a few days away from Thanksgiving. We will celebrate together His infinite faithfulness in providing for our needs next Sunday (11/23) with a Thanksgiving Dinner at noon in Fellowship Hall.
 

Since we have about eleven days (give or take, depending on when you read this) till November 27th, perhaps we should start our list of things for which we want to give thanks. Surely, when your family gathers around the table, or when you arrive at the restaurant, or when you open the take-out, you will want to take time to thank the Father for all of His goodness to you this year.
 

I was going to make a list, but decided I would like to see yours first. I am always intrigued by what people put first on their lists. Conversely, I like to see what is relegated to last place.
 

I know a few folks who top their list with salvation. Some put their spouse or family, some their Church. Many people fill the list with “stuff” that has come their way in the preceding months (“I’m thankful for my new car, or couch, or crayons”).
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 there is a rather apropos, though scary thought that comes to mind in this matter of making lists. How does one follow the admonition of Scripture and still have an opportunity for hot turkey? You could just coast, meaning we use those words so often heard, in so many venues, which leave us wishing for some specifics, “Thanks for everything.”
 

Maybe we should start now, or better yet, last week! Not making a list, but rather being thankful, specifically, every day, for every thing. It may add some time in our prayer closet, but it will help to remind us that thanklessness is a characteristic of unbelievers.

© Weaver 2003