Thanksgiving: (n) the act of giving thanks;
grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God;
a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness;
a day set apart for giving thanks to God;
(initial capital letter) Thanksgiving Day.
It’s November, when thoughts turn to Thanksgiving: the day certainly, but not necessarily the feeling. In the year 2020 there seems to be a dearth of things to be grateful for. We began with an impeachment, then moved into a pandemic that brought soaring death rates. We are coping with joblessness, financial woes, racial injustices, and an increasingly ugly political and social environment that seems to be tearing our country apart. All of this on top of the usual challenges of life: problems and disappointments that inevitably go with the territory.
So I need a reminder: is there anything to be thankful for? Here are some thoughts to begin with:
We are blessed. Let us remember and be thankful.
Lord, I will give thanks to you with all my heart.
I will tell about all the wonderful things you have done.
I will be glad and full of joy because of you.
Most High God, I will sing the praises of your name.
Psalm 9:1-2 New International Reader’s Version
All that I am, praise the Lord;
everything in me, praise his holy name.
My whole being, praise the Lord
and do not forget all his kindnesses.
Psalm 103:1-2 New Century Version
I am thankful for a friend who would gently remind me of how very rich I am in blessings. Sometimes , (too often), I forget.