A Thanksgiving Manifesto

Thanksgiving. The very word reminds me how much I already have in a culture that constantly seeks to convince us that we need more. In the spirit of true gratitude, please allow me to share some of the tangible and intangible things I’m most thankful for today.

May I never fail to express gratitude for these gifts:

• A bed to sleep in and blankets to keep me warm
• Running water from my multiple faucets
• Electricity that brings light and warmth
• A home to return to each night
• The family I was born into and the one I married into
• Friends God has graciously placed in my life
• The ability to be in contact with people all over the world via a device that fits in my pocket
• Wheels to take me where I need to go
• The beauty of creation all around me
• Food in my cupboard and a refrigerator to keep it fresh
• State of the art healthcare
• Agencies that protect, serve and respond to our needs
• Access to news, literature and art
• Freedom to respectfully disagree
• Good health
• A sound mind
• Feet to walk on
• Eyes to see, ears to hear and hands to work with
• A place to freely worship with other like minded believers
• More love, kindness and mercy than I will ever deserve

And, should I be so bold as to ask for more, let it be for this:

• To be used by God for His purposes
• More time with those I love
• Shared meals around my table
• Experiences that linger long
• Words that feed my soul
• Laughter that warms my heart
• Eyes to see the needs around me
• Ears to hear the cries of those in need
• Arms to embrace the hurting
• Moments of wonder
• Conversations that nourish
• Opportunities to bless from my bounty
• Wisdom to be a vessel of hope and healing
• A heart to hold it all

I am thankful for your eyes reading this today and for all the good gifts He has given us. My prayer for you is that you, too would “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

What are you thankful for?