November Thanks

There is so much we should be thankful for. One day is hardly enough for Thanksgiving, maybe it needs a month. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that "The earth and everything on it belong to the Lord" (CEV). If everything is the Lord's then it is only appropriate that we give thanks to God who does not hoard what is his, but instead provides for our needs with what he has created.

If what I have is God's, I wonder if I have received more than my fair share? In my 34 years of life, the hardest challenge I have had to face is recognizing that instant gratification is wrong. It leads me to spend beyond my means. It leads me to be selfish. And truly the expectation of instant gratification has made me dependent on stuff at the expense of faith.

For me the challenge of saying thanks includes sharing more and being open. As an act of faithfulness I have also tried to live more simply. I see at as a discipline for me to covet a DVD, or an item for my home, or tickets to an event, and instead of putting it on VISA telling myself "NO." In that "no" there is thankfulness. In that "no" I find the feeling that what you have given me, Lord, is more than enough.

Thank you Lord for your blessings. Surly my cup runs over.