January 4, 2023  – Christmas +10 —  “We Should Thank G-d For Our Blessings, Often”

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever…” Psalm 136:1-3

“When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honour and obey your natural parents although they be poor.” (George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation; number 108; p. 30, Applewood Books”)

How good are you at thanking people? Do you thank the person at “Target” for checking you out – or the oil man for bringing you oil in the winter? We like to think we are in touch with gratitude all the time, but I believe we miss opportunities to say “thank you” every day. Often we believe that this or that person is just doing their job, so why do they deserve thanks. My belief is the more we say “thank you”, in all situations, the more grateful we will be when it really matters. We should especially be thankful for the blessings G-d has bestowed upon us. We would not have life if not for G-d. We would be quite the pitiful people without a G-d who has blessed us abundantly.

Many articles and books have been written about the physical and mental benefits of being grateful. The Bible is filled with prayers and stories that speak our thanks to G-d and lists the many reasons we have to be thankful at all times and in all circumstances. What people, places, things, or memories are you particularly grateful for? How can you look at some of the disappointments and challenges you’ve faced in the last few weeks from a grateful perspective?

Let us pray: Lord, thank you for all of my blessings. Help me share my gratitude with others daily. Amen.

Pastor Dave