Talking Turkey

Can you believe that we are just a few days away from gaining 2.6 pounds and experiencing tryptophan induced comas?! As the day approaches I find myself doing some reflection. What is it I am thankful for? Who am I thankful for? Why should I be thankful? And for that matter, why do I feel compelled to reflect now instead of throughout my year?

It seems our culture drives us away from the things that are most important. Even with Thanksgiving just a few days away, Black Friday looms the next morning. I certainly am not condemning shopping at 4AM, there are a lot of good deals on The Snuggie, you know, the blanket that has sleeves, and other fine products, but I get this sneaky suspicion that we lose some of the essence along the way.

 

You know, before I had kids I could never understand why parents kept all those goofy hand paintings and drawings their children made, but now I am starting to get it. I know I only have so much time with my family and every time I see one of those pictures I find myself so thankful for the gift God has given me.

So here is the challenge: Do whatever it takes this season to hold fast to the things that will last and fight with every fiber of your being to be genuinely thankful and gracious! When you and I are standing in a long line to get a digital toaster that has GPS this week, let’s reflect on the things that truly matter…

Psalm 136

 ¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
   His love endures forever.

 ²Give thanks to the God of gods.
   His love endures forever.

 ³Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
   His love endures forever.

 ⁴to him who alone does great wonders,
   His love endures forever.

 ⁵who by his understanding made the heavens,
   His love endures forever.

 ⁶who spread out the earth upon the waters,
   His love endures forever.

 ⁷who made the great lights—
   His love endures forever.

 ⁸the sun to govern the day,
   His love endures forever.

 ⁹the moon and stars to govern the night;
   His love endures forever.

 ¹⁰to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
   His love endures forever.

 ¹¹and brought Israel out from among them
   His love endures forever.

 ¹²with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
   His love endures forever…

 

 ²³to the One who remembered us in our low estate
   His love endures forever.

 ²⁴and freed us from our enemies,
   His love endures forever.

 ²⁵and who gives food to every creature.
   His love endures forever.

 ²⁶Give thanks to the God of heaven.
   His love endures forever.