Unemployment is still at 9.6%. The economy is struggling. Air travel is a near occasion of sin on SO many levels. The temperature outside right now is 20 F. Exactly what is there for which to be thankful??? Perhaps I should crawl back into bed, pull the covers up and forget the whole day.
Wait a minute! I have a bed - with covers. At least that is something for which to be thankful. And that bed is in a house with heat. And I have a computer and internet access to write this ramble. I have a dog at my feet and one on my lap. There is a turkey in the oven - and it isn't even for dinner today! No, I get to eat at the big family dinner - with FAMILY! I have three beautiful children; Jon, Jordon and Julie who are absolutely incredible. I have an extended family who care about me even with good reason to not care. Maybe I do have reason to be thankful.
In the words of the ever present infommercial, "But wait! There's more!"
After dinner I will visit with some dear friends. Yes! I do have friends! Before dinner I will do a bit of shopping (for those kiddos). When I return home (in a car that is old but runs well), I will settle in and watch some television, surf the net, eat a turkey sandwich (tradition) and return to that cozy bed.
I am alive. My health is good (for an old man). My brother is recovering well from cancer surgery. Although my Mom, Dad and sister are no longer here in the flesh, they are praying for me in the communion of saints.
Apparently I have plenty for which to be thankful! And today I give most thanks to God! He who has given me more gifts than I can fathom. There in lies the challenge. Do we watch the daily news and lament about the ills of the world? Or do we look beyond and above to the One who has given us His very Son.
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE US HIS ONLY SON THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE."
THANK YOU!
