A very thankful Thanksgiving - 21 Nov 2012

Stop and think. Stop and be thankful.

“You’re American. What does Thanksgiving mean to you?” is a question I’ve heard a few times in the three years I’ve lived in the UK. Sometimes I tell the history of the 102 persecuted Christians making their way to a new land where 57 of them died the first winter, daily rations by springtime were only 5 kernels of corn, and when the local tribes helped them farm and store food for the next winter they hosted a feast to celebrate and thank God. More often I answer about how Thanksgiving is every bit as important as Christmas, but better because it’s still just about family and not consumerism.

This year I’ve been thinking about the approaching Thanksgiving holiday and reflecting on the very concept of thankfulness. I’ve concluded that humility thrives on thankfulness. When I stop and think about the challenges I faced the past three years in relocating to a new country that is 5,000 miles from family, friends and all I’ve known before; It highlights that the provision, strength, health and relationships that now bless my life are all gifts I don’t deserve from a Heavenly Father who doesn’t care if I’m deserving, He just loves me anyway.

So this year, as I look forward to a turkey dinner with American friends in London, my thoughts and prayers are of humble gratitude for the undeserved favour of God that is so obvious when I take even just a moment to think about it.

Thank you Jesus.