The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
(the first part of this is a repeat from 2010. The latter part is new.)
Thanksgiving 2020
Part 2 - "Somone To Thank"
What if there was no one to thank? The thought occurs as Frances and I sit on the shore of a beautiful lake in north Alabama. The sun shines, a gentle breeze wafts in the trees, birds sing, and the first cool air of the season brings rest and invigoration. It's hard to imagine a moment that might bring a greater sense of blessing from the One who provides "every good gift and every perfect gift" in gracious lovingkindness (James 1:17).
What if there was no one to thank? The very heart of such moments would dissolve. We might still find them as pleasant and enjoyable. However, the only personal aspect of the experience would be the sharing of the moment with fellow human beings, either in being with them as it occurs, or in telling others later. This is a nice thing to do, of course, and being with Frances makes the blessing infinitely more blessed than it would be without her. I also enjoy telling you about it.
Again, however, what if there was no one to thank for "life and breath and all things?" (Acts 17:25). If a mindless and heartless universe somehow brought us happy times as merely a random occurrence of fate or chance, I wouldn't be writing these words. If there were no one to thank, there would be nothing for which to express the gratitude that makes blessed experiences truly blessed. All that would remain would be fleeting happenstance that soon flies away as dry leaves in the whirlwind.
There is someone to thank for "every good gift and every perfect gift." The old hymn proclaims, "Out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again." Our hearts know deeply within that the existence of our capacity for gratitude presupposes the existence of someone worthy of our thanksgiving. It makes little sense to believe that a mindless, heartless universe produced a creature with a mind and a heart that finds gratitude such a vital component of its existence.
There is Someone to thank. There is Someone to whom to express gratitude and appreciation. Life is not life unless we consistently recognize our Lord's zest and enthusiasm for giving, and our need for receiving with thankful hearts.
There is Someone to thank
in this moment and always,
Someone to appreciate
in both bright and darkened days.
Our Father loves to give,
He does so cheerfully.
He loves us to receive,
let us do so gratefully.
There is Someone to thank,
no thought is more sublime.
This moment now at hand,
well, there is no better time
To turn our eyes toward Heaven,
our hearts unto the Throne.
There is Someone to thank,
how good to gladly know!
"Oh Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee forever."
(Psalm 30:12)
Weekly Memory Verse
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
(I John 1:3)
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