“The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalm 28:7 New American Standard Bible
The month of November affords us with ample opportunities to give thanks. Hurricane Thanksgiving Day (10/25) was traditionally commemorated on the third Monday in October. Since we can no longer meaningfully declare October as being “…all over”, perhaps November can now be the month used to give thanks that we made it through the height of the season.
Veterans Day (11/11) affords us the opportunity to express our gratitude for and to those who served in the U.S Armed Forces. These men and women of our armed forces deserve our respect, admiration and support for their faithfulness and sacrifices. Take time to thank them and give thanks for them.
Thanksgiving Day afford us another opportunity as a country, as families and as individuals to express our gratitude for all the blessings we receive from one year to the next. Although the traditional account of the Pilgrims and Indians has fallen into disfavor amongst many, the day can still be a source of blessing…blessing like those listed in a round that was sung at many a church camp. “For health and strength and daily food we praise your name O Lord.”
One of the thanksgiving traditions that I am proposing is for us to make the verbal expressions of thanks be a part of the thanksgiving meal. Put away the cell phones, tablets and all of the distractions, and let this be a truly family/community interactive event. Give someone a call sometime during the weekend and let them know that they matter, that they are loved, esteemed, and appreciated. Above all, give thanks to our Creator-Redeemer who is the giver of everything good. Ours is still a beautiful world.
Let us follow the example of the psalmist (Ps. 28:7) and express our gratitude with a song/hymn.
“This is my Father’s world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.”
Blessings always,
Your servant Walton Frederick (Chaplain)
Recent Comments