Devotion - Tuesday, November 25

Thanksgiving Break starts today at Clemson.  While I will be in town and at the church most days, this offering will be my last of the week.  So it seems appropriate that today would be the day for me to address Thanksgiving, and its promise for us as God's people.

You are likely to hear some of the chatter about whether Thanksgiving is truly a religious observance or secular.  Its roots clearly are spiritual - pausing to give thanks for all that we have received.  As with so many other good ideas, Thanksgiving can get rolled over by other interest (as in the official start of the Christmas shopping season.)  It is tough to turn back the tide, but we don't have to ride its crest.  So I encourage you to give these days the attention they need as a time to give thanks, as a time to remember and appreciate all that we have received.

It is way too easy, in our world and culture, to focus on what we don't have.  The growth of the economy depends upon us continually acquiring more and more and more.  Everything is invested in convincing each of us that having that which is just beyond our reach will make life more complete and meaningful.

This may be the test of faith for us 21st century North American Christians.  Can we trust that all we need has been provided?  Can we respond to the craziness by saying "God's grace is sufficient for me"?

Be thankful these days.  Express your thanks openly and regularly.  Every time you speak of something that you would want to acquire, list three things you already have.  Issue that same challenge to your family and friends.  

God's goodness has provided richly for us.  While there may be opportunity to add some trimmings around the edges, that is all they could ever be.