‘Tis the Season!

 

 

Daphne Delay, author, cbn.com

“Merry Christmas!” says one. “Happy Holidays!” says another. “‘Tis the Season” is proclaimed and posted everywhere this time of year. But what do we really mean when we refer to this “season”?

In general, a season can be a particular time of year, such as winter, spring, summer, and fall. It can also refer to a time characterized by a particular circumstance, like in a “season of awakening.” Some may use this word to describe a suitable or natural time, like when their “season” comes. Or it could mean an indefinite period of time; for example, a person on assignment for a “season.”

However you want to look at it, we all need to be reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy:

“Be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Before the great flood, in the days of Noah, everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time. All the way up to the day Noah and his family boarded the ark, the people knew nothing (and cared little) about the things which were to take place. Although Noah preached righteousness to a mocking generation, none were saved except eight souls. The flood hit and swept everything away (Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 2:5).

The arrival of Jesus will be like that:

“Two men will be working in the field – one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill – one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.” (Matthew 24:39-44, Message)

Therefore, be ready in your season – whatever it may be.

You may be in a season you are ready to see end. Or perhaps you are in the best season of your life, hoping it will never end. While still others may be altogether oblivious to the season around them. In any case, seasons come and seasons go, but our instruction remains the same: Be ready in season and out.

Serious athletes prepare year-round for their season. If they were to wait and begin preparing at the start, not only would much time be lost but they would be at great risk of being cut or suffer the consequences of loss. Are we really much different in this game of life? We are told to “be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1), “be ready to give a defense for the hope within you” (1 Peter 3:15), and if need be, “be ready to suffer for the sake of the Gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8).

The point is, there will be no excuse for our conduct or readiness despite our season. George Washington once said,

“Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.”

Every one of our actions is a seed. And every seed will produce in its season. We should learn from those who have preceded us. Mother Teresa is noted for saying,

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.”

Even out of adversity, Charles Spurgeon humbly said,

“It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary.”

“… whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome …”, stand by, be at hand and ready (2 Timothy 4:2, Amplified).

‘Tis the season!

Jesus In First Place… Over Everything

 

Lisa Whittle, author, faithgateway, com

Editor’s note: It’s the first day of Advent and the start of something new! The Jesus Over Everything by Lisa Whittle is our brand-new community Online Bible Study starting tomorrow, November 30th and you do not want to miss it! Oh, do we need this study now more than ever! I need Jesus to be my #1 in this season, to put Him in His rightful place: First. Over everything. How about you?

You’re going to love Lisa Whittle’s writing and Bible teaching… she’s funny yet convicting, real and honest! Here she is with a special Advent message for us and learn more about accessing the Jesus Over Everything free videos and downloads when you sign up here! ~ Laurie McClure, editor at Devotionals Daily (and OBS Leader!)

 

Happy Advent season to you. I want to share with you for a few minutes a message God has put on my heart.

I was talking with someone the other day and I asked her how she was, and she said to me, “the holidays are historically a difficult season for me,” and I know that’s true. The holidays are often difficult for a lot of people.

And even more so, this holiday season is tough for people I know. We’ve all been quite worn down from a difficult 2020.

But here’s what I want you to know.

It is a strategy of the enemy – who we know is real – to keep us in a state of discouragement, disarray and complication.

It says in John 10:10,

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.

Those are his goals.

What does he come to steal, kill and destroy? The physical body? That also may be true but maybe even more so I believe he comes to steal, kill and destroy our hope, our mental health, and our sense of peace. And, he’s tried to do that in a big way this past year, hasn’t he?

But. In that very same verse, Jesus reminds us of the solution that is found in one source — Him. In John 10:10, He says,

 I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.

I believe He added that last part, the word “abundantly,” so we would know it isn’t just about existing. It is about a good life. A life lived in fullness, even in the midst of deep difficulty.

You may say yes, Lisa I’m on board with this idea. But I just can’t seem to get there. I understand. I’ve often said, “the struggle is real but so is the help of God.” Jesus is ready to help us. But we have to do our part. He has to be in charge of our lives. In the #1 priority spot, in order to make our lives work right. It’s the only way it can.

His arrival. The birth of Jesus thousands of years ago was for THIS moment right now. He came for 2020 and 2021.

The hope who will not disappoint. According to Romans 5:5, Jesus is OUR only hope right now and forevermore.

Friend, there is a battle going on for you right now. Satan wants to keep you hopeless. He wants to keep you unsettled and your life complicated because if you stay there, you stay ineffective for the Kingdom of God. You stay worried. You stay without meaning or peace.

Jesus fights for and with you to believe and trust – but today He’s asking to have that seat of authority in your life that He deserves. That is how you will be able to do this because the priority of Jesus brings order to the chaos of our lives. It’s a job only He is big enough to do.

That is why I so want to invite you to join me for the Jesus Over Everything study with the community here at FaithGateway. It gets started tomorrow, and it’s not too late for you to jump right in for the Advent-to-New-Year 2021 season. The study isn’t a traditional Christmas study, but it will help you get things in order to fight your anxiety and hopelessness and take your life back.

That Baby born in a manger was and is our hope. He hasn’t lost a bit of power. We just need to give the power in our lives back to Him.

As you journey through this season and into the new year, I hope you’ll remember the power of some of my favorite verses – In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. In him was life and life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. 

 Amen and amen. Jesus over everything. He is the great light of this world – our light – until the end.

As we light our candles for advent, I invite you to join me in asking Jesus to be first, be #1 in our lives. Jesus over everything.

Thanksgiving: For Richer or Poorer

By Shawn McEvoy, crosswalk.com

“Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them.” – James 1:9

The rich eat ham,
The poor eat tuna.
Doesn’t take as long to cook,
So we eat soona.
–Jay Henze

The words of that heretofore unknown poem were uttered by my lifelong best friend sometime around our senior year of high school. He conjured it out of thin air while I was spending the night at his house. It was the result of one of those “I’m so tired I’m laughing at anything” sessions you’d often experience with close friends around midnight.

It was also the result of Jay’s enduring awareness of the socio-economic differences between himself and many of his friends, like me, from the affluent north side of town. So whenever I think of ham, tuna, or Jay, I often think of richness and poorness as well.

Recently, thanks to a fantastic tour around the Missionary Learning Center, I was thinking about missions and outreach. It struck me as interesting that whenever a mission of mercy or evangelism is commissioned, it tends to be to an area where there is a high concentration of poverty, whether it’s to India, Mexico, or inner-city Philadelphia. Well, yes, as it should be.

After all, Christ commanded us, if we loved Him, to tend to His lambs (John 21:15-17). James 2:15-16 admonishes us not to ignore those in need of food or clothing. Paul and the Apostles started churches among those who were poor (Acts 9:36; 10:4). Poverty was crippling in the time of Christ and so it continues to be now. The very fact that Jay had a roof over his head and the fish he despised came in a can rather than him having to catch it made him one of the wealthiest persons on the planet. So the holidays are certainly a time to think about – nay, physically assist – those less fortunate than ourselves (2 Corinthians 9:9).

Then again, are we missing something?

Consider James 1:9 – “Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them.” There are lots of ways to be poor, and Jesus told us they brought about blessing in the long run (Matthew 5:3-12). Those poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Those mourning loved ones will be comforted. Those who make peace rather than seeking their own profit will be called sons of God, Who chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith (James 2:5). 2 Corinthians 6:10 states: “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”

And what about the rich?

That’s the hard part, literally. Jesus said it’s very difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Those who love their life too much find it hard to lose it. James reminds us it’s the rich who “oppress us and drag us into court, blaspheming the fair name by which we’ve been called (James 2:6-7).” The word “miserable” has at its root the word “miser.” The love of money isn’t just the source of evil, but also of depression and dissatisfaction.

So… doesn’t that mean that the rich have just as many spiritual needs, if not more, than the poor? Who will go to them? Who will train them in the joy of giving their money away and not living by comparison to others? What mission trips are planned?

I contend that untold legions of us are making such a trip this very month, back home to our families and friends, where a big ham might fill the center of the table, people will put on their fineries, and a lot of the talk will focus on the daily drudgeries of keeping our precious lives in working order to cover up the hole that’s getting bigger in the soul.

We might spend a few minutes at the table saying how we’re thankful we’re not like others, or that we have our health, or that our family is with us – before we stuff ourselves, stare blankly at the Dallas Cowboys or Detroit Lions to avoid looking at each other, or fall asleep. Of course, you probably know someone for whom Thanksgiving is an unwelcome chore, a painful experience of dodging rejection, annoyance, questions of future or romance, and Uncle Jimbo.

Or, if you’re truly rich, as I am for marrying into a godly family, there will be genuine thanks, true giving, heartfelt prayers, and corporate worship.

Whatever the case in your gathering, let me encourage you to take the love of Christ with you and accept the difficult challenge of bringing it to the wealthy this Thanksgiving. Jesus said a camel fitting through a needle’s-eye was difficult, not impossible (thank goodness for most of us).

God’s Favorite Christmas

 

 

Stephanie Pavlantos, author, cbn.com

Who doesn’t love Christmas and the memories it brings? As you think of your favorite Christmas, what makes it memorable for you? Was it where you spent it, who you spent it with, or the gift you received? Maybe it was unforgettable because of the gift you gave to someone special.

My favorite Christmas was the time I put my name on every gift under the tree. I have a large family with five sisters plus my mom and dad. My aunt and uncle came over Christmas Eve to stay the night with us. While everyone was busy preparing for Christmas Day, I sat on the floor by the Christmas tree with wrapping paper, scissors and a pen, making new gift tags with my name on each one. I added those to every gift under the tree. The next morning, while my uncle handed out the gifts, the pile in front of me grew larger and larger as I got most of them. The expressions on everyone’s faces were priceless. My mom knew something was not right and as she looked around the room, her eyes stopped on me. I confessed my deed, and she gave the packages, unopened, to their rightful owners. We all laughed and my family still reminds me of that Christmas. It is a fun memory for us all.

Have you ever thought about God’s favorite Christmas? Which parts do you think He most fondly remembers?

God created us to have fellowship with Him. But, sin penetrated His perfect world and separated us from Him. We could no longer experience life with God, only death without Him. Alone. Heaven must have been lonely with only the Godhead and a mere myriad of angels, and not one human being in sight. He wanted us to live with Him in His home.

God knew the Way to make that happen.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

The Father entrusted a young girl with His only Son—a human carrying deity. She wasn’t the richest or the most experienced or even married. But, Mary loved God, and she was the perfect mother for His Son. Even knowing His Son’s life would be threatened before He was two; God sent Jesus to be born in a dirty cave and laid in a manger of straw in the company of sheep and shepherds. Imagine how proud He must have been on that day and how bittersweet it was when Heaven became even lonelier.

God watched as the angels rejoiced at His perfect plan. Their instructions were to proclaim the good news to the lonesome shepherds in a field guarding their sheep that night. God didn’t tell the wealthy or the well-known. Instead, He sent His angels to the shepherds, the ones who protected their sheep and looked for the lost lamb. They would understand His King. How the Father must have loved the expression on their faces when His angels ignited the dark sky! I imagine His eagerness for them to behold His Gift.

God looked forward to the day His Son returned Home ushering men, women and children to live with Him forever. Yet, how grievous the sting God felt knowing what Jesus must endure so we could be welcomed into Heaven.

God put His name on His present, too—Immanuel, God with us. All He wants is for us to accept His gift. Don’t leave this precious One unopened. God’s favorite Christmas is the most unforgettable because of Who He gave us.

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)

Everything Is a Gift

 

 

Jennifer E. Jones, author, cbn.com

I watched a film recently that began with the quote: “Everything is a gift from the universe.” Non-believers can grasp at straws when it comes to acknowledging higher powers, but as Christians, we know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. So when that quote was lingering in my mind long after the movie was over, I got to thinking about God as the ultimate gift-giver and how different those gifts look when we know what they are and where they came from.

We commonly think of gifts when it comes to birthdays and special occasions. If we were to make a list, it might include the car in the driveway with the giant red bow on it, the diamond tennis bracelet, or even a greeting card full of cash. Who doesn’t like a tangible display of affection, especially if it was a little expensive? I can tell you one person who doesn’t … a small Southern woman I happen to know and love.

My mother was the first one who got me out of thinking like a material girl every time a gift-giving holiday came around. For her birthday, she would write a short wish list. One item on her list was volunteering to make dinner. Another was giving her a hug every morning before we left for school. It was the simple things that she treasured and it taught us the things with the greatest value are often without a price tag.

When you think along those lines, the idea of God being the giver of gifts isn’t too far-fetched. And it goes beyond the big-ticket items of life like getting married or having children. If you count the small things, you are surrounded by presents every day.

One day, from morning until night, I’d like you to count your blessings. Carry around a little notepad and write them all down. For example, today, I woke up gently without an alarm in my warm, fluffy Queen-sized bed. That’s one. My breakfast of almond crepes with lemon curd turned out perfectly tasty. That’s one. A wise, wonderful friend came over for coffee later on in the morning. That’s three blessings in the first hour and I hadn’t even left the house yet.

You see where I’m going with this? If you note every moment of happiness placed in your life, you’ll see that you unwittingly unwrap hundreds of gifts throughout your day.

King Solomon understood rejoicing in the little things. Sure, he had a vast kingdom with more toys to play with than anyone could enjoy in two lifetimes; however, he was quick to note that it was all “vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). If anything, he found joy in much of what anyone can indulge.

“So I think we should get as much out of life as we possibly can. There is nothing better than to enjoy our food and drink and to have a good time.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15a, CEV)

“Be happy and enjoy eating and drinking! God decided long ago that this is what you should do. Dress up, comb your hair, and look your best. Life is short, and you love your wife, so enjoy being with her. This is what you are supposed to do as you struggle through life on this earth.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9, CEV)

Part of the fall of man is a predisposition to focus on the negative, and let’s be real, there’s plenty of that to go around. One bad minute can ruin your whole day. But what would it look like if we collected all the good and see how it outweighs the bad? Just the little things. If you need inspiration, think of the character, Maria, from The Sound of Music. When trying to cheer up the frightened von Trapp children during a storm, she sings about her favorite things that include raindrops on roses and warm woolen mittens. It’s cheesy as musicals are supposed to be, but the point of the song is finding joy in simplicity.

Everything is a gift from God, and knowing that He loves us this much leads us to nothing less than gratitude and deep devotion.

 

Fools for Christ

 

By Ryan Duncan, crosswalk.com

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. – 1 Corinthians 1:27

I was leaving the grocery store and had just started my car, when I was approached by a man pushing a stroller. I assumed he was going to ask for directions, but it turned out that couldn’t have been further from the truth.

“Hey man, I really need some help. My daughter and I just got evicted from our apartment.” He proceeded to rattle off his story as I listened uncomfortably. He had contacted Social Services but they wouldn’t be able to help him until tomorrow. His wife had left when things got tough. He was afraid of losing his daughter. He’d found a cheap motel to stay in, but he still needed seventeen dollars to pay for the room.

Now, several things began to buzz through my head as he talked. The first was how I didn’t trust a thing he was saying. In Asia, I’d seen female beggars use their children to garner sympathy from passing strangers. In South America, older men would hold Bibles or crosses, not because they were Christians but because it encouraged people to give more generously. Everything about his story felt rehearsed, staged, right down to the toddler in his stroller.

The second thing was that the man had said he needed $17, which was the exact amount I had in my wallet. I had been hoping to use that money to grab a lunch out or maybe see a movie, but could I really justify being so selfish if this guy really needed it? I considered giving him a few bucks just to make him go away, but withholding the rest didn’t seem any better than giving him nothing. It felt like I was trapped between two choices, would I be stupid or heartless? Eventually, I considered what Christ would have me do, and handed over the money along with my best wishes.

I don’t know what became of that man. Maybe he was telling the truth, maybe he was lying, and to be honest, I don’t really care. God has called us to love, and you cannot love others if you are afraid of looking foolish. Remember what the Bible says in the book of Matthew:

“‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.’” – Matthew 5:38-42.

Please Pass the Blessings

 

By: Gordon Robertson – President and CEO, CBN

The story of Jacob sounds like a soap opera, yet God was in the midst of it. Jacob and Esau were the twin sons of Isaac and grandsons of Abraham. Before their birth, God told Rebekah,

“Two nations are in your womb … and the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23).

Jacob tried to be first from the beginning, grabbing Esau’s heel as he was born; thus his name means heel-grabber.

Jacob was also a good cook, and it was for a bowl of his stew that Esau traded away his birthright as the eldest son. Later, Esau took two Hittite wives who were a grief to his parents. Rebekah then helped Jacob trick Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau. When Esau planned to kill Jacob, Rebekah convinced Isaac to send Jacob away to find a wife among her relatives.

Genesis 28:10 tells us, Jacob went out from Beersheba. Often, when you take that first step of faith on a journey, God meets you there. Jacob dreamed of a ladder from earth to heaven—and there God spoke to him.

Although he fell in love with Rachel, Jacob the trickster was tricked by his Uncle Laban into marrying her older sister first. The two wives were bitter rivals, involving their servants in a race to have children—twelve sons total. When Jacob finally headed home with his family, he didn’t know if Esau still wanted him dead.

He wrestled all night with God, who said,

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).

If life had been easy, would he have persevered and prevailed?

The key is that Isaac had blessed Jacob:

“May God Almighty bless you and give you many children. And may your descendants multiply and become many nations! May God pass on to you and your descendants the blessings he promised to Abraham” (Genesis 28:3-4 NLT).

This was God’s plan. The blessings God gave Abraham were passed to Isaac, who bestowed them on Jacob. Through him came the twelve tribes of Israel, then the Messiah.

So this Thanksgiving, give thanks for what God has done, then pray over your family and bless them all. Pass along the wonderful blessings that God has freely given to you. As Galatians 3:14 says,

“Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham” (NLT).  God bless you.

The Unexpected Thanksgiving Feast

 

 

By: Diane Pearson, cbn.com

“Lord,” prayed Linda, “show me some way to demonstrate your love to these women this Thanksgiving season.”

Linda works in an office near a women’s prison. Several prisoners come to clean her office building each week, so Linda got acquainted with them.

“I had a burden from the Lord to do something special for those women,” said Linda. “He answered my prayer in a conversation with my daughter. We knew without a doubt that we were supposed to plan a surprise Thanksgiving dinner for them, complete with all the trimmings. I wanted it to be special with my best tablecloth, china, and silver.”

Special rules apply to prisoners who work outside the prison walls, so it was difficult to get permission. Normally, they aren’t allowed to use “real” silverware. But Linda jumped through all the hoops and permission was finally granted.

“My biggest concern,” said Linda, “was not the details, but that the Lord would reveal to me how to let them know that this was ‘of the Lord’ and not of myself. I can cook for anybody, but I wanted them to know that the reason I did this was because of Jesus Christ and what He did for me.”

When the big day arrived, the women walked into that office and saw the beautiful table loaded with food. They assumed it was a Thanksgiving meal for the employees.

“No,” said Linda. “It’s for you.”

They were speechless for a moment, but then they couldn’t get the words out fast enough.

“This can’t be for real!” exclaimed one of the ladies.

“Look at that real turkey, not that pressed meat we’re used to!”

Another said, “Homemade yeast rolls and three kinds of pie to choose from!”

As one woman broke into tears, she said, “Those smells bring back so many memories. What I miss most is the feeling of family during the holidays.”

The ladies sat down at the table, amid tears and excited conversation. “I can’t believe someone cared enough to do this for us,” said one woman.

Just as Linda was about to lead them in prayer, one of the ladies spoke up and said, “Let’s all hold hands and pray.” She opened with prayer and others followed. Some prayed for forgiveness, some prayed for their families, and others thanked the Lord for the bountiful meal, an unexpected Thanksgiving feast.

Linda said, “My prayers were answered. All the glory went to the Lord for His provision. With no prompting from me, those precious ladies gave God the credit. God revealed Himself to them that day in ways I could not have done on my own.”

Linda lived the words Jesus spoke in Luke 14:

“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Jesus Christ makes a place for all of us at his table.

The Power of Thanksgiving

 

 

By: Kay Camenisch, cbn.com

It’s that season again, when we’re reminded to be thankful — and to express thankfulness. God has told us,

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

Even though we know it’s God’s will, for most of us, a reminder is a good thing, because in the midst of busyness and challenges of life, we often forget to be grateful for our many blessings.

I always think of a particular incident when I think of giving thanks. Many years ago, our friend Paul noticed that his young daughter Susannah had a ritual with her bedtime prayers. She always prayed, “God, bless Mommy, and Daddy, and …” She went down her list, asking God for her all her wants.

At prayer time one night, he said, “Susannah, you have a lot to be thankful for. I’d like you to start your prayers with thanksgiving.” Susannah agreed, but Paul left on a trip the next morning and wasn’t able to reinforce his instruction.

When he returned, her prayers had not changed. He said, “Susannah, what did I ask you to do when you pray?”

She hesitated before answering. “Uhhh. Start my prayers with Halloween?”

She remembered the request—but didn’t understand what thanksgiving was and got mixed up with which holiday he had said.

Unlike Susannah, I understand what it means to give thanks and that it’s good to express appreciation, but I often get so busy that I don’t take note of what I’m grateful for, much less express it to others. I’ve resolved to do better after recently experiencing the blessing of being on the receiving end.

My husband is a pastor of a church of amazing people who regularly communicate their thanks. It makes it a joy to be part of them. However, we were recently showered with love and many expressions of appreciation. I must admit, it felt good. It deepened our love and our commitment to give more of ourselves. It also made me want to be more faithful in expressing my thanks.

But that was just the beginning of the day. After church and the dinner that followed, our home filled with out-of-town family who came to celebrate Dad’s 89th birthday. We visited, celebrated, and enjoyed being together. After the meal, while still around the table, I was once again struck with what an impact it makes to speak words of appreciation.

Robert’s youngest brother said, “Dad, at our house, we have a tradition that we do on birthdays, and we’d like to do it now.” He went on to explain that we wanted to each share something with Dad that we appreciated about him, starting with the youngest and moving up.

Seven-year-old Elena went first, and one at a time, each of ten people shared something they were grateful for, something Dad had done that had blessed his or her life. Most shared two or three things that had made an impact — and all sounded sincere.

At least once, Dad’s eyes filled with tears. Others were touched too. It was a precious time and a much bigger blessing than the simple gifts given earlier.

It was also powerful. Dad wasn’t the only one blessed. We all left the table encouraged, strengthened, and closer to one another because of words of gratefulness. All we did was say thanks — but we don’t make a point to do that often enough. I basked in the blessing and power of the time around the table for several days.

I wish we had practiced that tradition in our home as our children were growing up. In fact, I’m wondering how to stimulate more giving of thanks in other settings — of open, sincere, thoughtful expressions of appreciation. If you have ideas, I’m interested.

However, after some thought, I’ve decided that the best place to begin is with myself. I might not impact the whole community, but I could encourage some.

Meanwhile, I hope your Thanksgiving is blessed with gratefulness—and with thanksgiving.