Thank you:  The Essence of Giving Thanks

From the Pastor…   Thank you:  The Essence of Giving Thanks                       

Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves. — Henry Ward Beecher

How often do you say thanks?  We receive things during the course of any given day: some help, a compliment, a word of insight, a reminder, a gift, or a host of other kindnesses.  People don’t have to give us any of these things, but they do.  And a simple recognition of thoughtful consideration is expressed in the word thanks.

 

Do you know someone who never seems to say thanks?  As Beecher says, a proud person is usually not a grateful person.  He/she exudes an attitude of arrogance, as if he/she deserves whatever has been given. – On the other hand, a humble person, who has no inflated sense of self, puts himself in the mind of others and recognizes whatever consideration has been given.  “She didn’t have to do that, but she did, and I need to acknowledge it.”

 

The Thanksgiving holiday is not loaded with consumerism the way modern Christmas observances are.  Its simplicity is appealing… we simply get together with family, friends, or loved ones and EAT.  We connect… catch up… care.  There is a lot of talking, listening, reflecting, remembering, and appreciating.

 

And whatever blessings we recall at Thanksgiving are all from God, the One who made us and provided for us in the past, the One who is provider of all we have and are today.  Proud people may be grateful for what THEY have provided, but they simply fool themselves.  Humble people know where are blessings REALLY come from… a loving, caring God.

 

 

                          Don’t miss this Sunday’s service of Thanksgiving,     

                                                                Lee