January 4, 2025 – the Eleventh day of Christmas

“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

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. I know a lot of people who believe service technicians are just doing their job, so why do we need to say thank you. 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 – and I am sure we thank G-d often for life, and love, and the abundance of other blessings.

A lot has 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. As you ponder this devotion I want you to think about the people, places, things, and memories you are most 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?

Pastor Dave