By Buddy Champion
First Baptist Trussville
The hardworking Mom was about to attempt her first turkey for Thanksgiving. She called her husband and son together and said, “Now I know this is the first turkey I’ve ever cooked. If it isn’t right, I don’t want anybody to say a word. We’ll just get up from the table without comment, put on our hats and coats, and go out to eat for our Thanksgiving dinner.” She then went into the kitchen to get the turkey. When she returned to the table, her husband and her son were standing there with their hats, gloves, and coats already on!
Before you give it all up and grab your hat and gloves realize how blessed we are. Sure, we could all agree life is crazy. Each time we see the news from around the world, we are deeply troubled. Every newscast begins with something shocking that we never dreamed would be possible. The state of our country causes deep concern and our future is troubling at best. Then we quickly run out the door to work, shopping, activities and hobbies, and life never slows down. However, the truth still remains that we live in the most blessed country that perhaps has ever existed. Compared to the rest of the world, we have so much to be thankful for, yet we can walk through this season and never recognize the great blessings in our lives. I am always intrigued that we can travel to a third world country and observe more joy in those who have very little than we experience on a daily basis in our own lives.
On Oct. 3, 1789, George Washington stated in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, “…that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country…” In this busy time of year, don’t just throw on your hats, gloves and coats to get busy with all that needs to be done before you pause and give thanks. The Bible teaches us in James 1:17 that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” This year, look back, count your blessings and give thanks to God for every good thing.