Why is it that we have to have a day on the calendar to remind us to be thankful? Expressing thanks isn't always our first reaction to life's circumstances.
In Vermont a farmer was sitting on the porch with his wife. He was beginning to realize how much she meant to him. It was about time -- for they had lived together forty-two years, and she had been such a help, a very willing worker. One day as they sat together, he said, "Wife, you've been such a wonderful woman that there are times I can hardly keep from telling you."
The pastor was trying to comfort one of his parishioners. "Mr. Kelly," he said, "you shouldn't be bitter. You must be thankful." "Thankful!" exclaimed Kelly. "Just what have I to be thankful for, I ask you? I can't even pay my bills." The pastor thought for a bit, then said brightly: "Why, man alive, be thankful you aren't one of your creditors."
It was Thanksgiving season in the nursing home. The small resident population was gathered about their humble Thanksgiving table, and the director asked each in turn to express one thing for which they were thankful. Thanks were expressed for a home in which to stay, families, etc. One little old lady in her turn said: "I thank the Lord for two perfectly good teeth, one in my upper jaw and one in my lower jaw that match so that I can chew my food."
On the tombstone of her husband's grave, a Southern mountain woman had chiseled in rough and uneven letters this epitaph: "He always appreciated."
God's instruction to the wilderness wandering Israelites applies to us as well. A summary of Deuteronomy 8:10-18 would say; "When things go well for you and you are enjoying food and material things, don't forget God, who provided it all for you. Be thankful to Him and don't forget to honor Him with an attitude of gratitude." Why don't you take time to read it for yourself?
Pastor John Giesbrecht
