"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."
 
If someone was to ask you, "What are you thankful for?", what would you say? I was asked a few weeks ago to sit down and make a list of the things I was thankful for. As I sat with a pen and paper in hand I was amazed at the things I wrote down. I wrote down my wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, job, material things, health, ect.  
 
Then I started thinking about all the things in my life that I took for granted. Things like walking, talking, sitting in a chair, brushing my teeth, getting dressed, picking up a cup of coffee and being able to breathe fresh air. I also noticed the beauty of a sunset. The chirping of birds. The sound of a babbling stream. The wonder of a forest.
When I realized that I am not promised tomorrow or even my next minute, being thankful took on a whole new meaning. You see, almost five years ago I developed complications from COVID. I developed pneumonia which made it almost impossible to breathe. I had a biopsy of my lungs in order to find out the type of infection the antibiotics were not able to treat. Due to this I was hospitalized for 3 weeks and spent another 12 days in rehab. Even today I still am experiencing the effects of this illness.
During that time I was unable to do the normal things I had always been able to do for myself. I was at the mercy of my nurses and hospital staff. My goal during that time was to be able to walk from my bed to the restroom. It was a very hard season for me but it was a season that taught me the value of being thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18).
So, this week as we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday, "What are you thankful for?" Why not write them down so you will always remember them? Write down even the things that are sometimes taken for granted.
Prayer:  Dear Lord, I have so much to be thankful for in my life. You have blessed me with so much and I just want to say, "Thanks." Help me to always have an attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' Name, Amen!