Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is observed in various customs—some on a different day—pretty much the world over. In this COVID-19 Pandemic, many celebrations will be repositioned. It is crucial for providing safety, physical distancing, and other medically secure measures. Everyone is impacted by this Pandemic in some way.

Johnson Oatman, Jr. wrote, “Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” Not long ago, I was waiting somewhere—-we do a lot of that these days. I looked down at my arm. And my hand. I began to give thanks; my fingers work. I can manipulate my keypad, use eating utensils. I can type. I can pick my guitar. I can shower, shave, comb my hair; tie my shoes… The Psalmist said it better: Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. (139:14 TLB)

Does it seem silly to give thanks for such ordinary things? We tend to take basics for granted. Haven’t you seem someone with difficulty performing “essential functions” of living? Despite whatever limitation in their life, many still find reasons to be thankful. It doesn’t make sense. Yet the spirit of gratitude, out of which springs thanksgiving, is transformative. “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” (attributed to theologian Karl Barth).

Years ago, I visited friends near the old Farmer’s Market in inner-city Macon, GA. He and his sister lived in a meager frame house. He was crippled; she didn’t get around much better. They showered blessings on me. Their food was delicious, their friendship even better. I loved visiting them. After every visit, I had to reset my “gratitude clock.” I was being a “glass half-empty” kind of guy. But my friends changed that. Now I’m a “glass-full-and-running-over-the-top” kind of guy. I would be a bonehead, numskull if I couldn’t see reasons to be thankful.

Today, “count your many blessings, name them one by one.” Take your time. I’ll bring snacks. Simply look around; they are there! Some time back, during a tough time, I joined with a cousin of mine, Rev. Carrie Veal on a “Hundred Days of Happiness Project.” It opened my eyes more than ever to reasons to be thankful. Now. Start counting your blessings. Thanksgiving Day is less than a week away, so you have plenty of time—this year you’ve had more time than ever. So hop on it hoss, or lass!!! What a Thanksgiving Day—hopefully a thanks —giving lifetime —it will be!