Grace-Caused Thanksgiving

Ron York

Dad is bedridden now, and most days, unable to feed himself, requiring care 24/7. Yet despite increased dementia and limited capacity, he smilingly answers simple questions, and his appreciation flows naturally toward those assisting him. He knows and sings the words of Amazing Grace with closed eyes and a swaying head. His eyes twinkle as he joins me in singing the Marine Corps Hymn. A peace within him resonates with the words Paul shared with the Corinthian believers.
 

Meditation
2 Corinthians 4:14-15--We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and present us with you. Indeed, everything is for your benefit, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to increase to God’s glory.
 
On the fourth Thursday of each November, most Americans will settle around a table with family and friends and share a special meal of turkey or ham and favorite dishes punctuated with pumpkin or apple pie. Next comes a food coma resulting in a midday nap while watching televised NFL football games or a family favorite movie. It is a holiday of gratitude for the freedoms and provisions we enjoy, and for those who worship God, He receives our thanks.

I love Thanksgiving, but even more, I love Thanksliving*. Thanksliving is the daily application of gratitude. It comes from a life forever changed and inspired by Jesus, who honors our repentance from sin by obliterating it and rewarding faith in Him with redemptive grace. My 92-year-old father models it in his final days. Ellen Vaughn noted in Radical Gratitude:
"Genuinely grateful people can’t be stopped. They bubble and overflow, refreshing others. Their habitual gratitude serves as a springboard to give a reason for the buoyant hope bouncing within them. They attract those stuck in the cares of this world and woo them to the eternal Good."
Even bedridden, Dad refreshes us with his wellspring of gratitude. He reminds us of the power of hope and the certainty of love.
           
Thanksliving is a powerful concept.  Let’s make a difference to those we meet by radiating daily thankfulness. Even in the worst and most challenging of times, we can give thanks because death cannot defeat us, suffering will pass, and resurrection is as sure as the risen Son . . . something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
“If life is to have meaning, and if God's will is to be done, all of us have to accept who we are and what we are, give it back to God, and thank Him for the way He made us. What I am is God's gift to me; what I do with it is my gift to Him.”—Warren W. Wiersbe in Be Myself
 
*To learn more about Thanksliving go to: https://www.firstcause.org/blog/thanksliving

©2024 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)