On the eve of Thanksgiving, in the last few quiet moments we will experience at my house for the next several days— before the kids return home from school or their working lives, before my sisters and their families fly/drive in from distant places, before I see my Mom, and my Dad and his wife for the first time in a few months, before the many friends join us and fill our sizable house beyond capacity, before the annual “Turkey Bowl”, before the “green bean song”, before the Lions, Vikings and Cowboys (oh my!), before the food and drink flows, and loud stories and laughter and even some tears bring the cacophony of sound from a dull roar to a fever pitch, before the guys tackle the dishes, and before we succumb to the tryptophan-induced drowsiness, comatose on every couch, chair and carpet — I am reminded that giving thanks to God is a year round activity.
Gratitude is the language of the believer. We give thanks, with grateful hearts:
Because the Lord is good and his love endures forever (Psalm 107:1);
Because of his unfailing love and wonderful deeds for mankind (Psalm 107:8);
Because of his grace given in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:4);
Because he has given us the victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57);
Because of the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many (2 Corinthians 1:11); and
Because this is God’s will for us in Christ in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
And, like Jesus, we give thanks because of the incredible meal about to be served (Mark 8:6). So, let the feast begin! But may the thanksgiving continue, even when order is restored (thankfully) and we again experience those quiet moments around my house.