Thanksgiving is almost here.
It is a time to recognize as a nation that God’s love and grace is the foundation for a just and peaceful society. That His provision is generous and that we are blessed as a community to be under the umbrella of His Divine Providence. Jesus embodies thankfulness to the Father’s generosity in John; 17. Even though He is about to offer up His life to redeem us, He is thankful as He prepares Himself and the Apostles to trust and be steadfast in His Father’s love even if it means suffering.
I find myself often unconsciously tied to the notion of being thankful when things are going along well. The car payment is made, there is a little money for entertainment, and I am healthy and relatively not under a mountain of stress.
I am reminded that thankfulness for me, is a practice of trusting God’s providence when just the opposite anxiety is pounding on the door. I can choose to let worry, and doubt enter into my interior castle or choose to leave them outside and answer with thankfulness and trust. Jesus invites us to live within the envelope of the Father’s infinite goodness and generosity. Thankfulness is a way of life and a journey of gratitude in all things.
I pray for you and for me that thankfulness to God and trust in His Providence will bless us all and bless our land with justice and peace.