It’s time that we start thinking about what we do have, as opposed to what we don’t have. I remember before people felt so entitled to have the latest gadget; when overindulgence was when your parents let you stay up past your bedtime; when one 10 oz. bottle soft drink every other week was considered an extravagance; when making rabbit shadows on the wall because the electricity had been shut off, was a favorite pasttime; when a chance to walk down to Mc’Clellans Department Store with my daddy to sit at the counter and spin on the bar stool while I waited on my toasted cheese sandwich to be ready was a rare delight, because it was time spent with my daddy.

Times have changed. It’s unfortunate that many in this generation will never know the pleasure that can be derived from the most simple things. In our society, we spend our time always grabbing for more and more; yet, we aren’t ever quite happy with the material gain that we acquire. It gives us a sense of restlessness, or a nagging feeling that if we did x that we could climb up one more rung on the corporate ladder to y. I just bought this type of phone, but now I want the new one that has come out, because it is even more awesome. People are never satisfied–always thirsty for greater and greater.

We give thanks this week because it is tradition. Thankgiving Day is upon us. I thought about the things that I’m truly thankful for, and I can promise you it’s not my computer, that could crash at the drop of a keystroke; or my highly functional flip phone that I still use in spite of the pressures for a more up to date model. Mine works just fine, thank you.

No, I am most thankful for three things:

My relationship with Jesus Christ. To know that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, loves me and was willing to give his life so that I might have eternal life, absolutely humbles me. If I lived in a shack, and I was isolated from the world’s gadgetry, knowing that Jesus Christ loved me, would be enough reason for me to give him thanks for eternity.

My relationship with my family and my church family. Not everyone really appreciates their families or sadly, even their church. Like in many things, people mean well, but sometimes life causes us to neglect time with both our home and church families. We are so wrapped up in the traps that rob us of quality time with families, that we forget to “be still.” In all of our busyness this season, let’s don’t forget to stop long enough to notice the ones we love the most. The world will not stop turning if you shut down the computer long enough to listen to what others have to say. Give the ones you love a chance to bless you by allowing them to share their lives with you.

My commitment to choose to do God’s will for my life, even when I don’t understand all of the journey I’ve been called to take. I trust God. This solves much stress and fear, when you can finally allow God to step in and be at the forefront of your life. He is my shield and buckler. He goes before me. I’m not alone any more.

Do I understand everything?No.Will I be without difficult, uncertain times in my life? No. But, with God on my side; I win, no matter what the outcome, because Jesus Christ directs every step that I take and he does it for my good.He sees the entire picture, while I may only see a speck that is blocking my vision. When I learn to get out of God’s way, he then does what needs to be done in order for my provision, health, or other circumstances to be resolved. He never fails.

So, it is true that Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving. Click on the link for this week’s Lattereign.