Giving Thanks

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1Cor 15:57 (NKJV)

            I know this is the time of the year when we are supposed to be extra sensitive to how thankful we are for everything; a time when we can reflect on all that we have been “blessed” with. The sad reality is that many of us say we are grateful, but really never express it otherwise; that we are “blessed”- but never give back; and we try to look at the good in everything, but can’t get past the darkness that is right in front of us. Now before you think I’m bum rushing the holiday season with a premature Ba- humbug!, hold on a second.

            I was at the mall yesterday with my daughter, taking in all of the holiday sights and scenes. Yes, I believe we are above and beyond blessed in this country; and yes- I think it is great to bless others with gifts. What got me though was the incredible amount of money (usually around $700 million dollars between Black Friday and Cyber Monday) we waste as a nation on stuff that carries absolutely zero eternal value. For example, $30+ for a teddy bear at Build-A-Bear. Did you know for the same amount of money you can sponsor a child with the Gospel, food, school, education, and medical treatment for one month?! That is just one small example. And tailing off of another blog I recently read about parents competing for and buying their children’s affection- I seriously suggest we get back to the basics of loving our kids first through our words and actions so that they may appreciate all the more better the things we do get for them.

            Finally, I realize there will be many of you this year who will not get to see your children for some of the upcoming holidays- I’m there with you. Just remember, Thanksgiving and Christmas are only days- it’s what they REPRESENT that matters the most. Are you thankful for your children? Then love on them every chance you get. Do you want to give them some really great gifts? Then start with the greatest gifts of all: teach them about Jesus and give them yourself. Holidays will come and go and even to those who had their kids every year, the pizazz will eventually wear off. What WILL last will be all of the little things they can hold on to long after we are gone: the small sacrifices we made for their benefit; the joy of being surprised with a “because I love you” and not because we felt pressured to; and teaching them about the ultimate sacrifice of love and joy- a little baby who would one day change the world forever and what He can do in their lives too.

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. -2Cor 4:18