Meditations for Thanksgiving

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings every morning, thank you, Lord, that I can Hear; there are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see; there are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off getting up, thank you, Lord, that I have strength to rise; there are many who are bedfast.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic -- socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short -- thank you, Lord, for my family; there are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like those in the ladies’ magazines and the menu is sometimes unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have; there are those who are hungry.

Even though my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work; there are many who are out of work.

Even though I grumble from day to day and wish my circumstances were not quite so modest, thank you, Lord, for the gift of life!

-- Selected

Let Our Lives Be Our Thanksgiving
Let our lives be our Thanksgiving
To our Father up above;
Let us worship Him with kindness;
Let us praise Him with our love.
Let us honor Him with virtue;
Let good deeds become our prayer;
Let our lives be our Thanksgiving
For the bounty that we share.
-- Author Unknown

Giving Thanks

I read the following story of a soldier in the American Third Army who was sent to a rest camp after a period of active service. When he returned to his outfit, he wrote a letter to General George Patton and thanked him for the splendid care he had received. General Patton wrote back that for thirty-five years he had sought to give all the comfort and convenience he could to his men, and added that this was the first letter of thanks he had received in all his years in the Army. There are few points at which human nature is more lacking than in lack of gratitude. Parents must constantly say to children who have received some gift, “Now what do you say?” As we grow older we become hardened to the good things of life and do not think of thanking God who is the giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” The best rule is the one given by Paul, “In every thing give thanks,” and especially “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

I Give Thee Humble Thanks
For all the gifts that Thou dost send,
For every kind and loyal friend,
For prompt supply of all my need,
For all that’s good in word or deed,
For gift of health along life’s way.
For strength to work from day to day.
I give Thee humble thanks.

For ready hands to help and cheer,
For listening ears Thy voice to hear,
For yielding tongue Thy love to talk,
For willing feet Thy paths to walk,
For open eyes Thy Word to read,
For loving heart Thy will to heed,
I give Thee humble thanks.

For Christ who came from Heaven above,
For the Cross and his redeeming love,
For His glorious triumph o’er the grave,
For the lovely mansions in the sky,
For His blessed coming by-and-by,
I give Thee humble thanks.

The Christian’s “Taste Berry”

It is said that in Africa there is a fruit called the “taste berry,” because it changes a person’s taste so that everything eaten tastes sweet and pleasant. Sour fruit, even if eaten several hours after the “taste berry,” becomes sweet and delicious. Gratitude is the “taste berry” of Christianity, and when our hearts are filled with gratitude, nothing that God sends us seems unpleasant to us. Sorrowing heart, sweeten your grief with gratitude. Burdened soul, lighten your burden by singing God’s praises. Disappointed one, dispel your loneliness by making others grateful. Sick one, grow strong in soul, thanking God that He loves you enough to chasten you. Keep the “taste berry” of gratitude in your hearts, and it will do for you what the “taste berry” of Africa does for the African.

In Everything Give Thanks!
‘Mid sunshine, cloud or stormy days,
When hope abounds or care dismays,
When trials press and toils increase
Let not thy faith in God decrease --
“In everything give thanks.”

All things we know shall work for good,
Nor would we change them if we could;
‘Tis well if only He command;
His promises will ever stand --
“In everything give thanks.”

He satisfies the longing heart,
He thwarts the tempter’s cruel dart,
With goodness fills the hungry soul,
And helps us sing when billows roll.
“In every thing give thanks.”