Thanksgiving...

As I was Standing Still this morning, I paused to reflect on this season of Thanksgiving.  Many pause during this time to assess the things in their lives for which they are truly thankful.  There is often the realization of “bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come (-Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day, October 3, 1863)”.  We take for granted what we have in life and who we have in our life as we go through the routines and get caught up in the distractions of our days.  There is often the lack of acknowledgement as to where these blessings originate – “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy (op.cit.)”.

My hope and prayer is that as we all consider what we are thankful for during this season, it “cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God (op.cit.)”.  As YOU list what you are thankful for, also recognize and state TO WHOM you are thankful – the Almighty, Everlasting, Merciful, Loving Father.  Oh give thanks unto the LORD!

Psalm 107:21 Let them give thanksto the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise his name.
Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.