"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Following the Vietnam War, a church was preparing to build a new sanctuary. Families were asked to make a donation in honor of their loved ones who had fought and served in the long war. Two families whose sons had both served in the war approached the minister following the service.
The first family in line said, “Pastor, as you know, our son was killed in the war—we would like to give $200 as a memorial gift.”
The second family approached the pastor and the husband said, “Pastor we will give $500 in honor of our son.” As they left the church, his wife looked at him incredulously and stated: "George, our son did not die in Vietnam, why would you give $500?" He looked at his wife with tears in his eyes and stated, "That is exactly why I gave $500, our son did come home."
As many of the news outlets are telling so many Americans what we cannot do and where we cannot go and what we do not have right now as COVID-19 continues it's rampage; I wonder how many Christians have stopped to thank God for all that we do have. Thankfulness is all about keeping the right perspective. God has been so very good to each one of us!
Would you stop everything this morning and say "Thank You" to our God who has been so very good to each one of us? Many cannot go to church this weekend, but we can livestream and record sermons and services. We may not be able to leave our homes as much, but we still have a home. Our favorite restaurant may be closed, but we still have food. We may not get to shop in the malls, but we have plenty of clothes and shoes. Our children are learning at home instead of school, but God has given us children to love and encourage.
The stock market is down, but God has promised to meet our every need. We cannot engage in our normal activities and busyness of life, but God has slowed down our pace so that we can enjoy one another and have meaningful time with the people we love. There are so many things we have to be thankful for today!
All of these things are blessings that God has given to us, but we must have the right perspective if we are going to be thankful and enjoy them. So today, don't focus on all the hardships, inconveniences, and setbacks. Slow down, get a pen and paper, and start writing down all of the good things God has done for you these past couple of weeks and praise Him with thanksgiving! I promise you, your day will go much better!
Click this link and hear one of my favorite songs that I listen to almost every week. Brooklyn Tabernacle "Thanks"