By Larry Stover 

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Thanksgiving is almost here. It is fast becoming a forgotten holiday in America. Even “Black Friday” sales are in full swing as many of the nation’s businesses are in that life or death “sales” run until Christmas. Our children in school no longer get a Thanksgiving holiday break. It’s just a part of fall break now.

Apart from school, little emphasis is made concerning our Pilgrim forefathers who set the stage for this celebration.  Just to survive their first winter here was an accomplishment.  After harvesting their crops, it seemed only fitting to celebrate a time of thanksgiving to God.

When you analyze it, it boils down to one basic problem; you can’t commercialize an attitude.

The spirit of Thanksgiving is not about stuff!

I’ve never had to return a Thanksgiving gift. We don’t hide Thanksgiving eggs. People don’t go out and purchase new Thanksgiving clothes. Believe it or not, we don’t decorate a Thanksgiving tree.

As a Christian, my celebration of gratitude is summed up in my attitude. The Psalmist knew so much about a positive attitude of Thanksgiving.  Psalms 65 and 105 are great examples of a positive attitude about this time of year. They remind us of what Thanksgiving is all about.

Psalm 105 begins by calling on everyone to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done. We are to remember all the wonderful things that He has done. for us.

Additionally, as disciples of Christ, we are to tell everyone what He has done for us.

Psalm 65 is a Psalm of praise for what God was doing in David’s life. There is praise, because God is hearing His prayers. He exalts the name of the Lord who has forgiven him of his sins. The joy and privilege of worship in the House of the Lord are also on his lips. He’s thanking God for an abundant harvest, and for supplying his daily needs. His life is overflowing with joy for all that God has done for him. This is a great challenge for all of us.  Imagine if all of us would slow down long enough to make a list of the things that God has done for our families, churches, businesses and community. Try to imagine all that God has done in our lives, the blessings of life and the day-to-day supply of basic needs. That would be quite the list.

Let’s go beyond that and take the time to share with other people what the Lord has done. One of the great needs among non-believers is for believing Christians to express what their relationship with Jesus Christ is doing for them on a daily basis. If in fact we are the only Jesus someone will ever see, then it becomes critical for us to share the awesome and amazing things that are happening in our lives right now. When it comes to the relationship we have with Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul defines it as an indescribable gift. That’s because there is no gift like a daily walk with Jesus.

How will you spend this Thanksgiving season?  Will it be a period of gratitude reflecting a positive attitude for all that God has done in your life? I can promise you that an “attitude of gratitude” will make this week simply beautiful!