My husband and I delivered Thanksgiving baskets through our church a couple of weeks ago and, though we are of course aware that there is need all around us, even close to home, it is still somewhat startling to witness it first hand. It makes you even more grateful for all that God has blessed you with. So, here’s an addendum to my previous gratitude list:
- Thank you Kensington Church (https://kensingtonchurch.org/) for the opportunity to serve. I am grateful that we are in a situation to help and I am doubly grateful that they provided the opportunity.
- I’m even more thankful that 3 years ago we were awakened to the fact that there is something greater that we are all called to do, something greater than just live our lives and be good and decent people, but that we can mobilize and we can help, and we are called by God to do so. There are literally hundreds of things that you can do to help someone, somewhere in a small or a big way this holiday season.
Giving Equals Getting
Andy Stanley, pastor of Northpoint Church in Atlanta talks in a recent sermon called “Be Rich” about how we are called to serve others and how it enriches our lives more than money ever can. If you want to check out the sermon visit http://northpointonline.tv/ go to Be Rich series, message #3 ‘Love’.
There is also a fun ‘wheel of ideas’ that you can spin at https://berich.org/love/ , click on ‘Get Ideas’. It’s super motivating and gives dozens of suggestions on how you can help. It’s really great for families. Some ideas cost nothing some cost a small amount…but just wonderful ways to get involved with your friends, your neighbors, your family, people in your community, school, church, and even people you don’t know yet. I urge you to check it out. There is no better feeling than doing for someone else.
I read somewhere that there is no such thing as true altruism. You know, giving and doing for others for a purely generous purpose, with no payback in mind. And maybe that’s true because when you give, you do get so much more in return…gratitude, peace, joy, compassion. The act of doing something for others usually makes the giver happier than the receiver.
And finally:
- I’m thankful for my new-found faith. Jesus isn’t just the ‘reason for the season’. Jesus is the reason for everything, if you’re a believer. And I’m grateful to have come to that. I’m grateful for the circumstances that have brought me to a situation where I began to explore my faith. And I’m grateful that Jesus is walking with me every single day and that I never need to fear because he will never leave us nor forsake us.
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Yes! Jesus is not just the reason for the season…He is the reason for absolutely everything! I feel my faith is more important than anything else in my life…even more important than my children. I love my children far too much to forfeit an eternity with them by not putting Our Lord first in my life. I liken my faith to oxygen…I can’t live without it.
Love your thoughts, Sherry! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Joanne!
I love the way you put that – loving your children far too much to forfeit an eternity with them. Isn’t that so true? And yet, it’s difficult to see that way until you take a deep dive into faith. But then, inexplicably comforting when you do.Thanks for sharing!
That is true thanksgiving. I am grateful for you.