I Am Thankful

In November we celebrate two holidays that cause us to reflect on our history and the need to remember the sacrifice of so many. Those holidays are Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. The month of November also reflects fall in its full array of colors, which serves to remind us of the need to be thankful for things we mostly take for granted every day.

I hope that you paused on Veterans Day to give thanks for those men and women who were brave and selfless enough to fight for our freedom. My 96-year-old father served at Pearl Harbor and was there on December 7, 1941. He is just one member of the greatest generation but he has been, throughout my life, a living example of someone who placed their life on the line for the freedoms we enjoy. There are not adequate words to express my gratitude towards the men and women who served in our military to protect us. For each of you, I am thankful. I am also thankful that we have someone in the White House who appreciates those who proudly wore their country’s uniform.

Of course, the other holiday in November during which we give thanks is Thanksgiving. This is a time when families unite, travel to be with one another, and enjoy fellowship. Thanksgiving is, however, more than just family. It is a time to remember God, from Whom all blessings flow, and being thankful for what He has done and continues to do in our lives. During the holidays we often see the best in people. People invite those who don’t have family into their homes to enjoy Thanksgiving and show a little more kindness than they do during other times of the year. But this is how we should live during the rest of the year. I am reminded of II Corinthians 9:11-12 “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

With age, I find myself extra thankful for the little things in life. My family, health and well-being, and blessings which are too numerous to count. I encourage you to do something meaningful for someone this season, whether they be someone you know or someone you have never met. Recognize that God has blessed you and that you can be a blessing to others. Psalm 107 verses 8-9 say “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” My prayer is that everyone who reads this has a blessed and joyous holiday season. Let us not take our blessings for granted and be reminded of how fortunate we are. I am indeed, truly thankful