Thanksgiving

From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Thanksgiving

When I think of words containing "giving", the only 2 that come to mind are "thanksgiving" and "forgiving". Yes, there are some other hyphenated examples, such as in alms-giving and life-giving, but these two words are what immediately come to my mind when it comes to giving. They are words we use readily, but rarely do we actually practise them. How many times this week have you actually given thanks to God or some person, or forgiven someone else for something they had done to you? Can you think of anything you have received this week that you didn't deserve or earn? How about that breath you just took as you read that last sentence, or that strong beating of your heart. You don't deserve, nor did you earn either of them, but did you think to thank God for them (along with everything else, actually)? So many things we all have to be thankful for, especially those of us living in the United States of America. We are so blessed. Let us take time to give thanks for them. I say take time, because it will require you doing just that, giving a little of your time to say "thank you." Try saying it to God more often, and then spread out and practise giving thanks to people around you. If you eat out sometime, try saying "thank you" to the waiter/waitress, along with a tip, if you can. You will make their day go a little better. Say "thank you" to the cashier at the store. It's a good practise to begin, and it starts with thanking God. Try it, you'll like it.

While you are practising this art of thanksgiving, try beginning to mix a little forgiving into your day, also. No, the other person doesn't deserve it, but neither do you deserve the breath you just took. Remember, it's a giving thing. It cost you a little time, or effort, or pride, etc., but when you give, you always receive back!

Try changing your habits today, or, if it's late, make a covenant to do it tomorrow. Give, give, give, and you will receive. Remember, as we've heard, God does love a cheerful giver. I've got news for you, though, you don't even to be cheerful when you start giving, you will become that way as you give! Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!