Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God for all His provision. Sometimes we get caught up in entertaining and cooking and family fun or drama – depending on your family – and the gratitude part of the holiday seems to get lost in the shuffle. Sadly, God often gets lost in the shuffle of our lives as we go about day to day. We have become used to fending for ourselves, fighting our own battles, living the good life or the difficult one and God, well He’s there if we need Him. And certainly He is. God is really faithful and reliable. We can count on Him in times of trouble. But, wouldn’t it be nice, if we counted on Him all the rest of the time, too.

Can I be frank? I think we have all had a friend or a family member who only calls or drops by when they need something. You never hear a peep, unless something is happening and they need help or a shoulder to cry on or to borrow money or something. You are a good friend or cousin or whatever and have a kind heart and are always there for them and do your best to encourage and help them through the latest trouble. Yet once the dust settles and their life is back on track, they lose touch and life goes on until the next time. But, wouldn’t it be nice if they cared about you enough to feel like your friendship was worthwhile all the time. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear a bit about some of the happy and good times they are having? Wouldn’t you enjoy chatting and hearing them ask about your life and how your family is doing?

I imagine that is often how God must feel. Lots of help calls and desperate prayers, but not as many prayers that just want to say ‘Hi! I hope you are having a great day, God!! I would love to know what you are up to? Can I do anything for you? Thanks for the beautiful morning and my wonderful family, Lord. I am truly grateful for the breath in my lungs and that you are in my heart!”

I get caught up too. We all do. But, today is a day to give thanks – it’s in the name of the day!! A day to PRAISE GOD for His goodness and provision and really just think about all the ways we are blessed each and every day by God!! I am a miracle counter. If you read my book “A Glimmer of Hope” you know that I try to keep focused on those miraculous moments throughout life. There are so very many. Yet, even a girl who has heard God speak, and has been given a monumental task to walk out in God’s will, gets caught up in life and doesn’t just pop in to say, “Hi, God!! Thanks!” So I hope I can encourage you and myself to make a little time to be grateful and just reach out to God because He deserves our love and praise and He is so very faithful and we certainly should try to do the same.

May your day be filled with lots of wonderful memories, lots of love, and the peace we find in Jesus Christ, today and everyday.

And I count each of you among my blessings!! Happy Thanksgiving!!