Give Thanks

We’ve arrived at that wonderful time of year here in the states called Thanksgiving. It’s supposed to be a special time when we celebrate the first settlers to our nation and give thanks for all our God has provided for us.

Of course, like many other aspects of our culture, things have become a bit twisted. The focus has shifted to food, football and shopping, doubt has been cast on the true motives of the Pilgrims and it’s not even politically correct to call the holiday Thanksgiving anymore! Some public schools are now calling it “Diversity Day” – oh brother!

Eric Reed, the managing editor of Leadership, put it very well when he said, “Santa is seizing November. And Pilgrims, once champions of religious freedom, are being sacrificed as bigots on the altar of political correctness. So who's calling us all to give thanks now?”

Good question! We have become a nation of ungrateful people. We’d often rather complain about things we don’t like, don’t have, can’t do or wish we were, instead of giving thanks to God for all He has provided and all He does and continues to do for us.

Consider these thought-provoking words from theologian Patrick Henry Reardon:

“Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and my mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have not given thanks, who or what would be left of me?”

Indeed, if God took from us all for which we failed to give Him thanks, we’d surely be in big trouble! One thing we can be thankful for is that we have a God of abundant grace and mercy. Psalm 103 reminds us to praise God and not forget “all His benefits.” This is a great time to do as the old Gospel song suggests: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!”

When we count our blessings here at CMI, we count all of you, our instrucctors of teachers! We are so grateful for each of you and the time and energy you give to equip teachers to reach and disciple the children. Thank you for your labor of love.

May you and your family have a blessing-filled Thanksgiving!