Thanksgiving Thoughts

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen

On this distinctly American holiday where people traditionally celebrate family, friends, and what we have, we need to remember the greater blessings. Many of us have things we take for granted. We have electronic devices that are "essential" to us that didn't even exist ten years ago, and we panic when they're not working. A bit of perspective, people! I can turn on the faucet and get clean water that we put through an attached filter to make it even better, but there are those who have to scrounge for muddy water to drink and hope it doesn't kill them. Even if we're not living in splendor, we need to be thankful for what we have, you savvy?

The Thankful Poor,  Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1894

A thankful spirit is important in the Christian life, and we should focus on giving thanks to God who gave us life, and eternal life. He doesn't have to bless us in so many ways, but he does it out of his love for us — even mockers and blasphemers who are consumed with hate still have life. What happens to them in eternity for rejecting God is their problem, God has done his part and made the gospel clear. 

This atheopath racist who cheers the deaths of Christians delights in
blasphemy in the course of his continual but fruitless persecution.
Screenshot used under Fair Use provisions for educational purposes.
(Click for larger.)

While having a day of giving thanks set aside once a year is good, it is better to be thankful every day of the year, and to praise our Creator and Redeemer for all he has given us. As for me, I'm thankful for living in good conditions. More importantly, I am redeemed by the blood and resurrection of Jesus. 

I'd like to share a couple of links for your perusal, ifn' you don't mind and have a few moments. First, "Thanksgiving Requires a Receiver". Next, a post that involves MacGyver and the Mayflower, "Thankfulness and - Repurposing?" Also, the video below by Dr. Stanley should communicate better than my faltering attempts: