Do you feel more thankful these days? It may seem
counterintuitive, but living through a natural disaster
seems to have engendered more thanksgiving within us.
When life is easy, we tend to take our blessings for
granted. When life is upended and tough challenges
surround us, we are much more aware of our blessings
and God’s gifts sent from heaven.
When our house is warm and dry with power and internet,
we give thanks.
When our water needs boiling, but we have power to do
so, we give thanks.
When we don’t have water or power, but folks have
brought water and generators to us till we do, we give
thanks.
When our house is wrecked, but our family is safe and we
have family and friends who will put us up, we give thanks.
When the roads are blocked, trees have fallen, and
powerlines are down, but linemen, the National Guard,
and church work teams come from all over the country to
help restore our homes and towns, we give thanks.
When our business is ruined and we have no income, but
neighbors and FEMA and church folks, and more strangers
come to give us food and other resources until we can
recover, we give thanks.
When waters were still rising and gushing rivers were still
racing, but people risked their own lives to rescue and
help us, we give thanks.
When we are overwhelmed with the losses and the
massive work needed to recover, but people give us hugs
and listen to our grief, we give thanks.
When we feel lost and all alone, but God whispers in our
ear that He is near and to look for Him in the helpers he
has sent, we give thanks.
As we approach Thanksgiving this year, I think our
blessings will be much more apparent, despite all our
losses. God is with us. A natural disaster sometimes opens
our eyes to God’s Presence and healing care in ways not
available in “normal” times.
May your eyes be opened and your heart filled with
gratitude for all your blessings. And in response, may you
then reach out to others so they may receive God’s
blessings through you.
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