This week, giving thanks is on the mind of many Americans. We are not only giving thanks for the many people who helped our country begin with all its freedoms, but we give thanks for those people around us.
As I ponder these things, I am reminded by Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, where he says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). What a motto to live by! I wonder what our lives would be like if we truly grasped this and put it into practice every day.
Tonight, I am off to help out with Lazarus House. Each year, the night before Thanksgiving, we join with many others to prepare dinner boxes for needy families in the area. It is an awesome ministry, and I am so glad to be a part of it. Not only that, I am awestruck by the amount of people we have each year from our church. It seems it grows every time, and that is fantastic. Many of them are families coming to serve together. How great is that?!
This year, I would like to urge you all (myself included) to think outside your normal traditional Thanksgiving, and find somewhere to put Paul’s words into practice. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks! This is God’s will for your life. While you are at it, help someone else do the same.
On a personal note, I thank God for all my friends and family. I miss all of you who are not nearby, and I cannot wait to see you again… which will probably be for Christmas!
Steve Cullum 