It’s a time of year that makes us pause for a moment in our busy lives. We pause to reflect. We pause to consider all that we have. We find ourselves comparing what we have to what others have. We think about the good things in our lives. We think about the good things in other people’s lives.
How often do we really stop to be truly and genuinely thankful? Oh sure, when that big Christmas bonus appears in our checking account, we are thankful. When we get that promotion, we are thankful. When we get that new top of the line truck, we are thankful. When we walk away from that department store with a steal of a deal, we are thankful. But, are those the only times we are thankful?
Do we find ourselves thinking we need to have a lot of material possessions and a fat bank account to feel a heart full of thanks? If so, it might be time to think about this some more. Do we consider or take for granted all the little everyday things that make our lives what they are? What about that faucet that we turn on and running water appears? What about pushing a button and the heat or air conditioning come on to keep us feeling just right and comfortable?Do we consider the marvels of all that must be synchronized to work together inside of us for our bodies to be functioning correctly? We often take that for granted until we get that scary medical report. Then are we angry because of a health issue we face while others are well and enjoying life? Do we feel a bit begrudging because we are driving an old vehicle or using old technology when compared to others? Do we resent that annoying sound the old washer makes as it faithfully cleans our laundry? Do we complain in disgust at the dysfunctional door on the garage?
Think about the homeless school boy, living in a car with his mother and sister. Think about the homeless living in a cardboard box. Think about the child that would not have a winter coat, hat, and gloves were it not for the teacher that provided that for her. Think about those who wouldn’t have anything to eat or evening shelter when it is twenty below zero if it were not for benevolent organizations. Think about the lonely elderly widow whose husband was not able to leave her any life insurance. Think about that neighbor man battling cancer while trying to hang on so that he can provide for his family and see his children grow up. And now, as we think about what we have, we can’t help ourselves. We feel rich in comparison. Our hearts start to feel a warmth. Yes, hopefully we feel thankful too.
You see, we really don’t need that much in life. Most of us are very blessed to have much more than we need. We may not have everything we want or even everything we think we need. But…most of us have what we need and then some. It’s good to pause and reflect. It’s good to be reminded. And, yes, it is very good to be thankful. As you sit down to your Thanksgiving table this year, try adding one dish to your menu. Start a new tradition…serve up a big bowl of thankfulness and pass it around the table. By itself, it may not fill your stomach, but it will surely fill your heart.
I’ve always felt that life is not about the tangible things that we buy in life, but about what we feel in our heart and soul. After a devastating heart scare to my husband what I’m most thankful for this Thanksgiving is that the Lord blessed him with his life to continue on to serve the Lord for as much time as He sees fit.
You are so right, Pat! All too often we forget to focus on those basic things in life that are really far more important than material things. I am glad your husband’s heart is on the mend. It sounds like you and he have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!