Thanksgiving
by Pastor Marty
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You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118: 28-29
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His name was Pastor Ray. He could always be counted on to speak these words in almost every situation, “thank you.” He had a grateful heart! He awoke early each morning, when he was in the process of dying, because he could! He didn’t have to…he got to! He soaked up each day like a sponge and named those moments for what they were…blessings.
Today we celebrate Thanksgiving. For many of us, it is a time that is carved out to celebrate with family and friends, to sit at tables filled with the finest of food, afternoon football games, finding a corner in the house for an afternoon nap, and undoubtedly a day that begs us to celebrate, rejoice, and to give thanks. To be sure, we do not have to do any of this but here is the deal…we get to!
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We get to be part of the crazy activity when children and grandchildren fill our homes with noise and laughter. We get to enter the presence of those around the table and participate in conversations that can be thoughtful and meaningless all at the same time. We get to eat turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, and in our house, that coveted piece of lefse. We get to give thanks because God is good, and God’s love endures forever. We do not have to…we get to.
Giving thanks is good for our spirit. Thanksgiving gives way to celebration and celebration always leads back to thanksgiving. It is true, give it a shot! When we give thanks, joy enters our life. Joy never comes alone. Deep gratitude will surely follow. Today, this week, in an intentional way, you get to give thanks!
We have so many blessings…best, to give thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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