Thanksgiving'08

"Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His Love endures forever." Psalm 106:1 The Holidays can be a really busy time; and for some, it can be an especially difficult time. I think of those who have lost loved ones; or those who have just lost their homes in these last fires. There are many who may find it hard to "celebrate" Thanksgiving. However, while it is wonderful to be able to gather together with family and friends and to share a meal; Thanksgiving is so much more than just turkey and get-togethers. The purpose is to thank God, in a spirit of gratefulness. I have found that even through trials and difficulties, when I focus on what I can be thankful for, I gain a better perspective on the circumstances. The apostle Paul encouraged us in Phil 4:6 to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." There is always something we can be thankful for; and when we focus on the good, it helps us endure the bad. And for those of us who are believers, the amazing blessing that we can truly be thankful for is the gift of salvation given to us through Christ's sacrifice of love on the cross. Amen!