Giving Thanks

So it's nearly Thanksgiving & I'm really not sure where the Summer went! I know I've been busy, but I feel as though I have awakened from a deep sleep only to find that time has passed by.

I am reminded that time is short. Every person is placed here by God, with only the days that God gives them. Do we know how many days we are blessed with? No, but we can redeem the time by living for the Lord the best we know how. Living for Him will not leave us disappointed, rather will assure us that our lives are not lived in vain.

Thanksgiving is so much more than sitting down to a meal with family & friends. It is giving back to the One who gave us these moments together. It is appreciating what He has freely given us in His Son, Jesus -- and that is life, life eternal, life free from fear, life free from regret, life full, fervent, & hopeful. We have this life because of His sacrifice. And we are called to remember His death & resurrection, His grace & mercy, as well as the great sacrifices of our forefathers, who came to this great country in search of religious freedom. They knew they could not worship God fully under the dictates of a self-righteous king, so they came in search of freedom to worship the King of Kings.

I am reminded that those who came before us were willing to give it all. Many of them died that very first winter, but those who survived left for us a legacy. Let us not forget, but be thankful.