More Than Thankful in 2018

Here is a post from last year, with a few updates for this year.

Last night, our family participated in a turkey (and sides) giveaway at our church for people in need within the community. I had the opportunity to serve with my family (and church family) and talk to three women. Each shared a part of their unique stories with me. They were thankful in the midst of their hard times, and I am thankful that I got to meet them.

Last year, our daughter said how excited she was for all the yummy food we would have for Thanksgiving, but that she knew it was about more than the food, because some people won't have all the food.

She and I talked about the first Thanksgiving. Yes, the Pilgrims were thankful that the native Americans helped them. Yes, they were thankful that their crops did well. Ultimately, they were thankful for God's provision. God provided friendly neighbors to help them and teach them. God provided the good weather conditions for their crops. God provided for their survival in the new land.

This conversation strengthened my resolve to remember those less fortunate than us. 

Be thankful for your family. Remember widows, orphans, and those estranged or otherwise separated from family. 

Be thankful for your parents, no matter if they are your biological parents, step-parents, adopted parents, in-law parents, or some other title. Remember those who have lost their parents. 

Be thankful for your children. Remember those unable to have children, who have lost children, who have children with challenging behavioral, emotional, developmental, academic, or other issues that make life/parenting hard.

Be thankful for your health. Remember those with pain or illness (chronic or otherwise), long-term or life-threatening health conditions, or other physical or emotional health issues.

Be thankful for your food. Remember those who are hungry or even starving. Remember those who battle with eating disorders.

Be thankful for your home. Remember those who are homeless, or live in inadequate shelters. Remember those without proper heating/cooling, pest control, furnishings, or safety. Remember refugees. Remember those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, mold, theft, etc.

Be thankful for your safety. Remember those who live in constant fear, abusive situations, war zones.

Be thankful for your freedoms. We are relatively free in speech, religion, right to bear arms, pursuit of careers of our choice, etc. Remember those without these freedoms. Many countries are not as open. Remember the Christians around the world persecuted and killed just for accepting Jesus. Remember women and others in cultures where they lack many rights. Remember those persecuted just for believing differently or for being compassionate to people who believe differently.

Be thankful for rest, relaxation, comfort, and entertainment. Remember those who do not have access to such luxuries.

Yes, be thankful. But more than thankful, be mindful. Be concerned. Be prayerful. Be active in improving the lives of others as you are led by the Lord.

Do not be like the Pharisee in the temple who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get," (Luke 18:11‭-‬12). That's the wrong kind of thanks.

I recommend that you take a look at this video entitled "Still Complaining?"

Be thankful for God's blessings in your life, but don't let them end with you. May your cup overflow.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God," (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

There are thousands of charitable organizations through which you could support those in need. Here are a few that are special to me:
Barnabas Aid
Samaritan's Purse
Compassion International
Mission for India
Gospel for Asia
Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)
Frontiers
The Prayer Collective
Smile Train