Since this week is Thanksgiving week, I have a question for you. What do you have to be thankful for?
I keep looking at the pictures of the “first” Thanksgiving with the grateful Pilgrims and the friendly Native Americans gathered around a table feast. I know that is not how it was, but it is still a nice picture.
But, 2020 has been a challenging year. It is extremely easy to look at all the failures and challenges that have happened in the past year. I know that in some communities, there has been destruction and rioting.
I know that in many families, there has been loss and death. I know that the uncertain times are leaving people depressed, worried and scared.
So, as we come upon Thanksgiving, what do we have to be thankful for?
1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in everything, this is God’s will for you.”
If you want to get a little more context, I suggest you start reading at verse 14 and go to verse 22. You will see that it is a list of rules on how to deal with challenging times. And, yes, giving thanks is a way to approach challenging times.
I do not buy into a “pie in the sky” mentality. I am not one to join Annie in singing about the sun coming out tomorrow.
But, I do know that we have much to give thanks for. I know that no matter how bad things are, we still are loved and cherished by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am not going to lie to you. These times have been challenging.
Sometimes it is hard to look for a good side to what has happened. Just remember in all things there is Christ. I rejoice that he has been by our side during every challenging moment of our lives.
As we work our way to Thanksgiving and then on to Christmas, let us rejoice always and give thanks in all things.
Let us focus on what God is doing, not on what the world has done. Let us be a thankful people, not a people who are down.
And, let us rejoice in the memory of those who have left us. I know many of you have had personal losses this past year.
I know that it is hard to rejoice when so much has been taken away. But, we still have much to rejoice.
I have had to say goodbye to friends and family this past year due to cancer, COVID and other health factors. I rejoice that they are now with Christ. I thank God that I got to know them, and that they walked with me for a brief time. I praise God that I am better because of them. I have much to be thankful for.
And, so do you. Maybe the sun is not as bright as it could be for you, but you are still loved. Maybe you feel alone and forgotten, but Christ is with you. Maybe you have doubts and fears, but Christ is saying, “Peace be still.”
You are loved, you are loved, YOU ARE LOVED. That is enough to be thankful for.
Have a great holiday, and I cannot wait to see you in church.
Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.