Thankfulness

Jody was never more adorable then when she would kick in to Thanksgiving meal mode. She loved to entertain in her home. She was good at it too. I'll miss the "Turkey Dance" ritual. (A little thing she would do with the bird before it went into the oven. You had to be there.) But my fondest memories are not of the hearth and home. They are of her sweet heart - always looking for a reason to praise and thank God. I am thoroughly convinced that she went to all the trouble of making an amazing table and meal primarily so she could break out her handmade scripture cards - which were these adorable decorated cards designed to stimulate conversation about what each guest was thankful for.

When you enjoy your loved ones on this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to approach it like it's the last one you'll ever have. Be sure to take the focus off the food and the football and instead place the emphasis on the fact that God lets you take your next breath. Thank Him for the miracle of Christ's redemptive work. Thank Him for the glorious design of the gospel and for the Spirit that moves on a heart so it can beat for Him. Thank God for grace that is greater than our sin. Ditch the sentimental and pursue the truly meaningful. Confess your sin. If I knew last Thanksgiving what I know now, I would have made more of that time. God loves a thankful heart.

Col. 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

2Sam. 22:50 "Therefore I will give thanks to Thee, O LORD, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Thy name."

2Cor. 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

1Th. 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

The reality that Jody is with the One she loves above all this Thanksgiving - makes me thankful beyond words.