Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions? Like my family, I’m sure yours has specific food choices – traditional dishes that must be served for the big feast. Whenever we are celebrating Thanksgiving with my dad, his tradition when we sit down to eat is to first ask us each what we are thankful for that year.
Most times, I feel like my answers are pretty obvious or the same every year. Plus, I must admit that some years I’m only thinking about quickly hurrying this reflective conversation along. After long hours of preparation and anticipation, I’m more than ready to just start devouring the food placed in front of me.
And at that point, there I go again taking so much I have for granted – ironically all on Thanksgiving Day.
Of course, God and His Son are at the top of what I’m grateful for every year. And oh how I certainly don’t ever want to take Him for granted!
As I delve deeper into what I’m thankful for this year, I remember reading a section in the Old Testament where King Solomon was praying for God’s presence. Solomon had just built the temple for the Lord. In a prayer of dedication, one of the things he asked of God is that He would always be with them.
I immediately thought what a wonderful gift we have today when we open our hearts to Him! Thanks to Christ, His very presence is always with us and living inside us! He is available to guide and direct us in each moment. We can draw on His unlimited strength and power. There is certain peace and an everlasting joy. A God Who is so big and mighty chooses to love and reside in little ole me. It’s more awesome than I can begin to fathom or understand!
I hope you’ll take some time this year to join me in thanking God for His presence our lives. What is something you are especially thankful to God for this year?