Word for the day

Take time to be grateful

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks in all circumstances. It’s not just in favorable times, Paul taught us to give thanks in all circumstances. That reminds me of a very uncomfortable Thanksgiving.

It was my first year in seminary. At the end of October that year, my dad died after a long and painful illness. My mom was deep in grief. It was very emotional to see her as sad as she was. Dad suffered with cancer over four years. The last two years were very difficult. I remember that my mom just sobbed when he died.

Thanksgiving Day was three weeks later and I had an idea. We had become friends with the Associate Pastor of the church we were attending. I asked him if I could use the church kitchen. I wanted to fix a complete Thanksgiving dinner and invite anyone at the church who would be alone that day. For some reason, I thought it would be good for my mom. 

The church gave me permission and I got a rough estimate of the number who would attend. I began to cook very early Thanksgiving morning. There were some helpers, but I did most of the cooking myself. It was almost more than I could handle. But I pulled if off.

We drove the 13 miles to pick up Mom and came back to open the doors. I don’t remember the number who attended that day, probably less than 12 women. Some were grieving the loss of loved ones, and some were just lonely. It was not a happy Thanksgiving gathering. But there was gratitude.

The “feast” was nice, but it didn’t really matter. What mattered was a opportunity to remember the time they had with those they loved and lost. We gave thanks for the Spiritual presence of God especially during difficult time. We gave thanks for the gift of grace. And we gave thanks for the hope we have for eternal life with those we love. 

Thanksgiving Day offers a wonderful opportunity for our nation to take time to be grateful. Beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, gratitude is a way of life for the Christ follower. So Paul wrote to the Thessalonians and to us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

–––––

John Dyer is pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Kenton.