We have so much for which to be thankful. Life, health, family, friends, our freedoms -- all of these things are wonderful blessings from God Himself. But even more than all of these, God has not dealt with us as we deserve. He's been patient with us and merciful. On top of this, His greatest mercy is providing His only begotten Son as a perfect atonement for our sins that if we believe in Him we will not perish but "have ever lasting life."

When we look at life through this lens, it really changes our perspective on our troubles. Sure, we may have trials, but, when we look at our trials in light of eternity, those trials are never quite as weighty.

I read the following recently:

 "Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. He told an audience that instead of having one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. 'Use that one day just for complaining and griping,' he said. 'Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings He has showered upon you!'"

I don't think that we should dedicate one day to complaining and griping, but I think that I follow Mr. Dickens' logic. We should not just be thankful on one day -- we should be thankful EVERY day. 

I'm so thankful that we, as a nation, dedicate one day to acknowledge that we have so many things for which to be thankful and to acknowledge that our blessings come from the Sovereign of the universe, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. 

Today, our prayer for you is that you will be blessed with the spirit of thankfulness and that you are able to spend a lot of wonderful time with family and friends.