Connecting Point: Leftovers

In conversation last week, many people in two different states shared worries of pending economic trouble. Uncertainty might be the keyword; Montana might be more secure than other parts of the country. I don’t like doomsday talk at Thanksgiving. We’ll have turkey and all the trimmings; you may as well. For those of us who have been blessed with an abundance, I cannot get away from this virtue: thankfulness. Believe that God desires for us to continually grow in thanksgiving. When our hearts are full of His love, thankfulness is as well.

Over the past five weeks, I have officiated in three separate memorials. The most recent include a mother of seven children in her 40s, leaving a family heartbroken. Her case is related to COVID-19 and somewhat difficult to understand. Another older gentleman was a good friend in his 80s, who succumbed to a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. The first memorial, several weeks ago, was another older gentleman who suddenly passed away without any indication of any serious condition. To share this with this audience, I’m merely pointing out; I AM THANKFUL FOR EVERY BREATH AND EACH DAY I HAVE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Most often in our home, we have left-overs from prepared meals, both my wife and I live on those. Often our children complain about left-overs, “Oh no, not again” has been mumbled a time or two. What are your thoughts? Do you love or hate leftovers? Thanksgiving arrives and we have fresh turkey sandwiches and delicious leftovers the next day.

Contemplating the more important matters of life I want to be a person that’s filled with thanksgiving. At times we may treat a new day like it’s just the crummy left-overs. Thankfulness goes beyond lip service; it’s a deeper heart matter.

Psalms include some of the greatest expressions of both fear and joy. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations,” (Psalm 100).

When your feet hit the floor in the morning each day, try including a little thanksgiving prayer. One outcome will be certain. Your heart will grow into a fuller sense of thankfulness and growth. That, my friends, helps us all in the long run.