Called to be thankful

I really enjoy a good slice of pie.  My mother-in-law makes an amazing pumpkin pie, every year she has to take into account how many pies will be eaten.  We all have our favorites, but there is always more than enough pumpkin pie.

The first family Thanksgiving we had after Naomi and I were married, saw my brother-in-law and myself standing in the cold garage eating pumpkin pie.  Dinner was supposed to be at 1pm, but not everything was ready.  Out to the garage we went, every excuse we could find, we would eat a slice of pie, and then head back in.

After dinner, we were asked to go get the pie, we went out, ate a slice ourselves, brought in the remaining pies and shared with the family.  It was the start of a tradition that remains today, the sharing of pie in the garage.  This Thanksgiving we will do the same, a tradition of giving thanks while eating pie.

As followers of Christ we have been called to be thankful.  As a people group we have been called to give thanks for what God has done for the world in Isaiah 12:

4 In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

    make known among the nations what he has done,

    and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;

    let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

As we engage in relationship with our family, friends and community let us remain focused on what God has done for us.  He has chosen to be in relationship with us and calls us to be in relationship with one another.  In sharing a meal with family we are able to tell the stories of what God has done and how He has moved in our lives apart from one another.

No matter what has gone on in your family or with your friends over this past year, take time to do as Paul tells the church in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “16 Be joyful always;17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Happy Thanksgiving