Create the kind of joy you’ll be thankful for this Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving and, again, I’m counting my blessings — family and friends, a warm and secure place to lay my head at night, plenty to eat, good health and the great gift of faith.  In so many ways those of us living in America today are among the most fortunate in the history of the world.  We have unprecedented material abundance and a level of freedom that few outside of this time and place have enjoyed.  We have so much to be thankful for, and we really ought to find ways of expressing our gratitude beyond simply saying “thank you” over turkey and mashed potatoes.

I just happen to have an idea or two.  The work we do here at The Fuller Center takes us to places that don’t enjoy many of the blessings that we take for granted.  We see poverty in all of its tragic manifestations — hunger, poor health, limited education and indecent housing.  Jesus tells us that to whom much is given much is expected.  He tells us what we give to those in need we give to Him.  And here’s the kicker: He tells us that if we obey his simple commandments — that we love God and love one another — everyone will know that we are His disciples.  And there’s more: He tells us that by doing this His joy will be in us and our joy will be complete.  That’s something to be truly thankful for.

So as we pause to give thanks for the abundance we enjoy let us ponder how we can demonstrate our gratitude by reaching out to God’s children in need.  There are so many ways to share.  We can donate to worthy causes or give some time to the soup kitchen.  Or we can even build a house with a family in need! 

I know what I’ll be thankful for this year and chief among my many blessings is the opportunity I’ve been given to work every day in a ministry that is doing so much to so profoundly affect the lives of families around the world in a positive way.  If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a part of this great ministry, as well, so there’s one more thing I can add to my gratitude list!  May the good Lord continue to shower you with blessings and may this Thanksgiving Day be a joyful one for you and yours.

click here to support our ministry