The Psalms are full of praises to God: for his majesty, for his power, for deliverance, for sheer joy in his abundant grace.

As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving we are reminded that it is time to praise the Lord and give thanks to him for  he is good and his love endures forever! (Ps.100:5).  A regular part of our Thanksgiving meal is to place three kernels of corn on the plate and before we pray, for each one gathered at the table to thank God for three blessings.

It is fun to see how the age and experience of family members shape those thanksgivings: delight in new births and heart ache with the loss of a loved one, victories in healing and joy in health, accomplishments in work and new learnings in school. My favorite thanksgiving blessing was from last year. It had been only weeks since my mother-in-law entered the eternity of heaven and my grandsons (age 2 and 5) were trying to understand why great grandmom was not in her chair. Brendan (age 2) said his blessing was “Great Grandmom and he missed her”.  His older brother explained that she was in heaven and wouldn’t be with us. Brendan responded: “She only went up there to get fixed. God will send her back with Santa.”

What comfort and peace there is in knowing that in every moment of life, God is there – Emmanuel, God with us! We do not journey abandoned, ‘left behind’, or forgotten. We have a mighty God who walks beside us, strengthening us in the everyday journey. This is part of the joy that fills my daily life and it spills out in everyday praises.

I realize, especially as I talk with people, that this is not the case for everyone. We really do live in a world where so many have no knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. There are so many who do not have a relationship with the Lord of the Life. And sharing Jesus is not always comfortable. But we must share him in our words, in our thanksgivings, and in actions of kindness and compassion. If the world were a village of 100 people, 67 would be non-Christian and only 33 would be walking in the knowledge of the Lord. There is much to do, many with whom to share, and opportunity now.

As you contemplate your blessings and raise hearts that are full of thanksgiving, take time to share the source of such goodness with one person in your life who does not know Jesus as the Lord of their life.

Sally J. Hiller