Let Us Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, it’s a good time to think about gratitude. This year I have heard a lot about Gratitude Journals and having an Attitude of Gratitude, and I thought that we had fully discussed the subject. What more is there to say? 

My sister and I were shopping, and she came up with a slant that I had not even thought about. She said, “So who are people giving thanks to?” Pause. Think about it.


Thanksgiving was initially established to give thanks to God for our many blessings, such as a successful harvest, or the end of war. Over the years, it has become a holiday to relax and share a festive meal with family and friends. Somehow God has gotten lost in the evolution.

When one gives thanks, it is important to know who you are thanking. Hence, every mother stops her youngster at gift-opening time and says, “Who is it from?” Cultivating an appreciation for the gift-giver is just as important as enjoying the gift!

I heard this story a long time ago, and cannot find the original, or I would give credit. If you know where I can find it, please send me the link!

The story goes that St. Peter was giving Heaven’s newest arrival (let’s call him Joe) a tour of the place. As they went past one door, St. Peter just closed it quietly. “What’s in there?” Joe asked. “You don’t want to know,” St. Peter said solemnly. After repeated requests, St. Peter gives in and opens the door. This cavernous room held rows and rows of file cabinets, stacked high. Each drawer had a name on it. Seeing his own name, Joe asked what was inside. Once again, St. Peter said, “You don’t want to know.” Curious, Joe insisted on seeing inside. When St. Peter opened the drawer, Joe was surprised to see an array of pretty gifts all wrapped up in beautiful paper and bows. Confused, he turned to St. Peter, who said sadly, “These are all the gifts that the Father sent down from Heaven, but you refused to open.”

Whenever I remember this story, I think of all the people who entered my life but I never took the time to get to know. I think of all the opportunities that I had but thought myself too busy to pursue. I think of the challenges (opportunities for growth) that I walked away from. I think of the places I have been invited, but declined because I might be uncomfortable, it’s too late at night, it’s raining, it might snow, too hot, too far, too expensive, and so on. There can always be an excuse. Don’t leave those gifts unopened!

When we consider the Giver of the gift, we can appreciate our gifts more fully. When we meet someone new, get an invitation, or face a challenge, we should consider the possibility that this is a gift from God. This Thanksgiving, count your blessings, and remember to give thanks to God.

Blessings,
Barb

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:9-13