Oct 10h, 2020: Prepare Our Hearts for Thanksgiving

 A Thankful Heart

Many people are getting more grumpy these days. As various restrictions concerning Covid-19 continue, more and more folks are becoming restless. We are now on the Weekend of Thanksgiving in Canada, and many of us will not be able to have our family with us. I don't agree with the statement that our PM made last month when he claimed that "Thanksgiving is canceled". That is a statement of a thankless heart. We will celebrate this weekend with as thankfulness regardless of the virus. How are we going to that?

A) Write notes to people whom we have not seen for a long time. Tell them that we miss them and how important they are in our lives. Tell them how thankful we are for being there for our family and us. Pray for their family and their safety. Thankfulness is a sign of growing and meaningful relationships.

B) Give thanks by remembering how fortunate we are. Give generously this weekend to organizations that feed the homeless and the poor in our city. We might not need a turkey this Thanksgiving due to smaller gatherings, so give more generously to those who need groceries to take care of their families.

C) Remember the freedom and the safety we have. Give thanks to those who are serving in the armed forces to protect our freedom. Give thanks to the police departments across the land who keep us safe. Pray that we don't take their service for granted. Be gracious and thankful for the sacrifices they and their families have to take. Pray for their protection and safety as well. 

E) Give thanks to one another by honoring each other's need for safety. We also need to respect one other's needs for comfort. We don't do things because we think it is the right thing for us. We do whatever with the aim to protect others. It is not the time the wave the flag of personal rights and privileges.

Have a great weekend with your family and with God. Once again let us give thanks and not seek damnation over others.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7

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