Thanksgiving 2020

                                                                      Thanksgiving 2020

“In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thess.5:18

Thanksgiving 2020 will be unlike any other in our lifetime . For seniors or those with preexisting conditions, the Thanksgiving meal may be eaten alone this year. For those who will be sharing Thanksgiving dinner with family, there may empty seats at the table with zoom meetings scheduled to wish grandma or grandpa a happy Thanksgiving.

Even in 2020 the Lord commands us to give thanks. And when we pause to think about it, we all have things to be grateful for.

During this unprecedented season, I want to challenge each of us during the month of November to write down each day what we are thankful for.  If many things pop into your mind right now, I would challenge you to write down 5 items per day.  If that seems too hard, aim for 3.  And if this is a time in your life where the world seems unusually bleak (and we have all been there) then I challenge you to write down 1 thing per day.

If you woke up in a comfortable bed with a roof over your head, give thanks.  If you have food in the refrigerator, that is a reason for thanksgiving.  If you can see or hear or taste or smell, write it on your list. After making a list, pause and say a prayer of thanksgiving to our God who is the giver of all good things.

When the month of November comes to an end, look back on your list and thank God again for His blessings. Many times the act of purposeful gratitude can have an impact on your life. If that happens to you, be sure to tell someone about it.

We may not be celebrating Thanksgiving in our usual way this year. But we can still participate in the real meaning of the day as we thank our God for His many blessings.