This year is a very happy Thanksgiving for me. I am blessed with an amazing job and church. We have seen God do miracles. We are celebrating those miracles this Sunday in a special service actually!
My parents and youngest sister are driving now as I type to visit Ben and I and our new dog Max. Allison has never been here in SW Virginia. My parents haven't been here since I've had this position with the church. So I am excited to share with them a bit of my life here.
I am sad that they can't stay longer. I am sad that my dad has a bone in his knee that is badly bruised. Which means no long walk's or hikes which is one of my favorite parts of living in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
My brother-in-law lost his job not too long ago. A friend of mine lost a baby and a grandfather not too far apart. Another friend/co-worker has recently found out that her 12 year old son has type 1 diabetes.
There is time a to mourn, there is a time to be sad/angry. But in the situation we can still be thankful. As my amazing pastor pointed out this past Sunday.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
It's not give thanks FOR all circumstances, its give thanks IN all circumstances. Praying for those who are doing their best to be Thankful in the storm this holiday season.
Thanksgiving started 3,000 years before the pilgrims landed over here on the Mayflower.
God told His people, the children of Israel, the people who were true believers, I want you to set aside a day in the fall. It was called the Feast of Weeks or the Harvest Festival, at which they would bring an offering to God, express their thanks to God, share a banquet or a meal together.
Thanks and Giving go together. Lets be thankful by giving back to the one who has given us so much.
