"Thankful"

Comes the season set aside for thanks,

And though for some Christmas outranks,

Our deposits in eternal banks,

  Is our sacrifice of praise.

A way of life, supposed to be,

And not just an event, you see,

But thanksliving with consistency,

   Love’s daily banner raise.

But savor this time when it comes,

Beat  huntin’, eatin’, football drums,

Come kinfolk, cousins, all our chums,

   To celebrate the day.

Don’t forget to praise His name,

The One our hallelujahs claim,

We live to advertise His fame,

   And all our thank you’s say.

With pilgrims from our yester-year,

Our history is very clear,

And freedom is what brought them here,

   To worship God above.

In Spirit and in truth you know,

No matter to which church you go,

Our praise is like the seed we sow,

   We revel in His love.

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NAS)

Thanksgiving holidays are right around the corner. For me these childhood memories are as strong as Christmas. We had three family birthdays (including mine), lots of awesome, and lots of hunting and football. That was also when our cousins, aunts and uncles came in from South Carolina. It was magic! But as wonderful as it was, nothing replaces the importance of learning to give thanks consistently. Paul writes that is it God’s will for us to do this in everything, all the time. And so, with God’s help, we should.

Lord, teach us to be thankful, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tyler Crow, used by permission. Thanks, Tyler, and God bless you.