Marc Estes

As I sat down early this morning in my office, I couldn’t help but to take some time to think about what I am thankful for. Afterall, it is Thanksgiving morning and it is a day where we all stop, eat food, watch football (go Cowboys), take some naps, and oh by the way, reflect on all the things we should be thankful for.  If you are anything like me, it is easy to allow life’s problems, pressures and enticements to illuminate the things I DON’T have instead of being thankful the things I DO have.

Yet, like most every other early morning in my office, I must stop again, put my attention on God and His goodness and thank him for all He has done for me over the years. In a matter of seconds, the thought of what I have become and what I deserved floods every pore of my being with gratefulness toward Him. If I had never received anything else, but Jesus Christ as my Lord, I would die a happy man. But in addtion to that incredible gift, I have been given the most wonderful wife, godly children and precious grandkids which all are overwhelming gifts from God.  I am thankful for my pastor, my church and the wonderful privilege to serve as a leader in building His kingdom; a calling far beyond what I deserve.  I am thankful for my health, I am thankful for my finances, I am thankful for food in my refrigerator, and the roof over my head. I am even thankful  for my Ford Explorer (or ”Exlploder”)  with cloth interior, nineteen dollar rims and vinyl bumpers in the garage.

It is amazing that when you dwell on what you DO have and begin to thank God for all He has done,  it makes all those things that you DON’T have grow strangely dim.  Maybe that is why Paul shared this secret from his life, so that we too wouldn’t live a life of sorrow, but one of great joy. He said, “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18) He was a guy that definitely knew how to give thanks in everything, regardless of his circumstances.  

I read a quote early this morning from a man named Matthew Henry (1662-1714) who is remembered today for his commentary. During his lifetime he was known for his gratitude. Once, while walking down a street, he was robbed. The thieves took everything of value. Later that night, Matthew Henry wrote the following in his diary: “I am thankful that during these years I have never been robbed until now. Also, even though they took my money, they did not take my life. And although they took all I had, it was not much. Finally, I am grateful that it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” True gratitude can be found in more places than we often look. (By the way, cool hairdo! We will leave the outfit alone.)

As you face this day, stop for a few minutes, get alone in a quiet place and begin to thank God for everything you DO have. You just might be surprised and have a better day.  If you are interested in learning more about what Thanksgiving Day really is all about you will want to check out a cool site on Thanksgiving.