The four sides of gratefulness
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8:11-20. Text: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7.
Preparation for Thanksgiving Day has been going on for many days or even weeks. To be specific, the turkey was bought in due time and the schedule for the arrival of beloved ones has been agreed upon.
Slowly and unnoticeably we put two restrictions on the observation of Thanksgiving Day; namely it is confined to the dining room and to the fourth Thursday of November. May we lift these restrictions and widen the celebration of Thanksgiving as we prepare ourselves spiritually to let the gratefulness accompany us to the next holiday, Christmas.
SHOULD WE ALSO PASS THROUGH THESE STATIONS AS THE PILGRIMS DID BEFORE US?
The right way to REMEMBER. The older generation still speaks of the Great Depression of the ’30s when jobs were scarce and income was low. Those who were fortunate enough to come home from wars (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq) still suffer from “flash backs” or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many witnessed bloodshed, atrocities and gruesome episodes. Even in peace children complain about the way they were treated at home. At some time we all have sad memories such as losing a parent, a spouse or a job.
But has everything been so bad and bitter in the past? Don’t we have pleasant memories as well? In the Bible it is a recurrent admonition to remember what the Lord has done: “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,” 1 Chronicles 16:11-12. Also Deuteronomy 8:18, 32:7. The majority of people have more reasons to be thankful than to complain.
The right way to COMPARE. Even preschool-aged children notice that one gets a bigger portion than the other. This observation grows with us — or even grows faster — when the slightest advantage of a neighbor creates in us anger, greed and jealousy. For sinful comparison please read Luke 18:10-14.
I read this proverb somewhere: “I complained that I did not have shoes until I met someone who did not have legs.” As long as you have good health, a job, a peaceful home and loving family members, you are blessed.
The right way to ADJUST. Please do not try to remain the same all the time even if you wish to continue to be nice, kind and loving. The world constantly changes and no one can go through life without adjustment.
There are many hotly debated issues (abortion, gay rights and unemployment). It is up to you to decide what your convictions are in these cases. Is it more important to be fair and open-minded or to be 100 percent sure and unwilling to change? Are we willing to fight for the right cause to the point of breaking the law or are we able to practice patience, tolerance and flexibility? Stubbornness and gratitude are not a perfect match.
The right way to PREPARE. You may constantly be on your knees praying fervently and singing praises to the Lord, yet it does not assure that your earthly future will be bright and safe; it does better preparing you for your eternal future. The Holy Scriptures clearly state we are to do our share while we are here: “… do whatever your hand finds to do …” 1 Samuel 10:7, and “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,” Ecclesiastes 9:10/a.
The right preparation shall include our spiritual future also: “‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.'” Joshua 3:5/b. Also: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'” Isaiah 40:3. See also the parables of the 10 maidens, Matthew 25:1-13.
If we remember and compare as well as adjust and prepare ourselves as the Bible teaches us, we will say with the psalmist: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” Psalm 42:5/b.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.