Thanksgiving 2014

As I take a few moments to pause from normal busy routines this Thanksgiving I thought to share with you the basis of my thanksgiving today. A couple of weeks ago Sharon and I had an opportunity to visit Adam, Kristen, Jake, Joe, Jenni, Lillie, Josh, Rosie, and Chante in Western Pennsylvania. There is truly a connection between the important things in life and young children. The things that satisfy them are basic and simple. Children have their needs provided by their parents, bask in parental love and attention, and don’t worry or fret about tomorrow. Since we live in a broken world this is frequently not the case. But by God’s design, the connection with my life and that of little children, is captured by Jesus when he tells us we are to come to him as a little child. As adults we tend to muddle things up by skepticism, sophistication, and an inflated sense of what we’re about. How do young children compare? Normally they have no fear of tomorrow, their parents provide for their needs, and children rejoice in the love and attention of loving parents. Am I any different? I have a heavenly Father, by adoption, which he initiated. He provides for my needs. He shows me his love and daily is attentive towards me. Furthermore, He tells me not to worry about tomorrow. How can this be? How is it that God knows me? While we were visiting with the Millers we shared in their family devotions, part of which is memorizing Ephesians chapter two. I was impacted how this chapter summarizes the Gospel message. Yes, I once followed the prince of this world as sometimes I even now am tempted to do. I was dead in my trespasses. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loves me, made me alive together with Christ, and raised me up with Christ in heavenly places. So that He may show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards me in Christ Jesus. This is all God’s gift, and not by any worth or effort on my part. Furthermore, I am God’s workmanship for the purpose of performing good works, works that God has and is preparing for me to do! God brought me from spiritual deadness serving myself, to a life in Christ. To know and experiencing God’s love. On top of all this, I have a part to do for God, his kingdom, and His glory. Awesome!

This creates in me a very grateful and thankful heart.