Today is Thanksgiving in the United States and all around the country people are gathering with family, friends, and loved ones. Often before we eat our meal, we go around and say why we are thankful, there is always a reason to be thankful.
It’s been an interesting year, when is it not? This year, I am grateful for many things. In life’s twists and turns, I can always find a silver lining. Some people can’t appreciate my positive attitude, but why be unhappy?
I am thankful that I have a job, a roof over my head, have people I love in my life, know kindness and joy, am working on good health, and am working on a more personal relationship with Jesus.
I don’t think I have fully appreciated psalm 136 until recently. I used to think it was pretty hokey, it goes on and on and the second line of each verse is His love endures forever. Depending on your translation, it may say His mercy endures forever. Love and mercy are not exactly the same to me, but I can see how they are linked.
Have you ever contemplated God’s love for us? It’s big and wide and deep. We are the ones that separate from his love, not him separating from us. Psalm 136 is a list of reasons and then a reminder of God’s love. What if for every reason we were grateful, we simply said “thank you”? I once listened to a talk and the person said that when they did not know what to say, they just said “thank you” and that is prayer enough.
Today is a day to give thanks. For whom or for what are you grateful? Enjoy your day today, however you spend it. Be grateful for the ones around your table, even if they drive you a little crazy.
