Thanksgiving, 2010

Paul wrote, in his letter to the Philippians, about being satisfied with whatever he had. In other words, to be content, come feast or famine.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil. 4:10-12, NIV)

A popular tradition among families that celebrate Thanksgiving is to go around the table just before they eat (you know, while those wonderful refrigerator rolls that just came out of the oven are getting cold, not to mention the turkey and stuffing or the taters and gravy!)  and each person mention something that they are thankful for.

There is no lack of creativity during the sharing of this tradition, as blessings for most of us are in abundance,  at least in this country.  And...the USA is generous with missions of mercy and supplying the rest of the world with material, financial and man-power donations in times of disaster or other crisis.

However, I often muse that the more difficult task of maintaining true contentedness with what we have as Americans stems, obviously, not from lack or from actual need but more from pure "want."

We have become, perhaps, a bit complacent or "fat" on our abundance, often taking it for granted, so our lack of contentedness is based not on having to do without a basic, life sustaining need, but rather on the simple desire to have more.

In other terms, our struggle, for the majority of us, is to learn to live a balanced, God-centered life IN SPITE OF THE ABUNDANCE THAT SURROUNDS US!

Our battle then is within, and it is with that old familiar demon known as materialism-the desire to have things we don't really want or even need, and our purpose may be none other than that of appearances.

Am I thankful I live in this country?  Oh yes I am, but I also have lived in places where meeting actual need is part of daily survival, EVERY DAY.

Perhaps a better tradition among our families would be to call attention to those who really do have need, wherever they are, and to do our part to minister to them in some viable way.  That can be done first of all by praying for them as a family, but also by giving through our local church or some other valid support organization to reach out to the less fortunate.

May your Thanksgiving celebration be a blessing that extends throughout the year to the less fortunate.