Our Scripture for today is Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ “
Let me read part of that again: “Be content with what you have.” Do any of you struggle with that phrase? Maybe not today, but there have been moments when we probably all have. I know I certainly have.
I love the story of the young bride who showed her grandmother all the modern conveniences of her new kitchen. She showed her the ice maker, the microwave oven, the double ovens, and the garbage disposal. She proudly ask, “Grandma, which of all these modern conveniences do you like best?” The grandma thought for a minute and then said, “I think I like running water the best.”
The secret to being thankful is remembering the running water, the forgotten blessings.
Today, Somewhere in the bombed-out buildings of Ukraine, a mother bows her head and thanks. In a little house in Israel, amidst the sound of rockets pouring in from angry countries, another mother gives thanks. In a city in America, a father says a Thanksgiving prayer. He knows his bank account is empty and his lights might be shut off tomorrow, but for today, he gives thanks.
How can anyone be thankful in the ruins of war or the threat of rockets flying overhead? How can we give thanks when tomorrow might bring disaster?
We give thanks because being thankful is not about what you don’t have. It is about seeing what you do have. It is about remembering the running water.
I am thankful I have a yard to walk in and a roof over my head. I am thankful I have lungs that work and blood that carries oxygen. I am thankful for eyes that see the wonderful things around me.
I am thankful that my family loves me. I am especially thankful that they like me.
I am thankful that I am here because God wanted me here. He wanted all of us to be here or else we wouldn’t have been born.
For today, we can say thanks. At least if we remember the running water.
Lonnie Davis