Give Thanks

11/22/2023

Written By: Nancy Purtlebaugh

When someone asks you the question, “What are you thankful for? do you have a hard time coming up with a response? Each week in our small group this is the first question that is asked. I will be honest, some weeks I have a hard time coming up with something new. Why should I? Why should we?

Giving thanks really takes practice. It takes intentionality. When you are in a practice of giving thanks, you have to take notice of your surroundings. Unfortunately I think we are all too rushed, in too big of a hurry to be in the practice of giving thanks.

When you read this, tomorrow will be Thanksgiving. A day where we gather with our loved ones and eat way too much food. Do we spend much time giving thanks for those around us? How about the food placed before us? Do we spend much time thinking about how we are one of the most blessed nations? Do we spend time on that day giving thanks for the men and women who make that possible? Mostly, we eat……..and maybe watch football.

I know this time of year is really hard for many people-especially if you are missing a loved one, are dealing with a heavy diagnosis, or are struggling with some other hardship. Me too. This time of year is always hard for me because I am missing very important people at the table. I am missing her laugh, the food she made, the hugs she gave, the way she made everyone feel wanted and loved just by being in her presence. But honestly, I had her.

I had my mom for 33 years, and I am able to give thanks for that. The year that my mom and aunt passed away very unexpectedly within 2 weeks of each other, someone suggested a book for me. I remember them saying that it was a life-changing book for her after she lost a loved one. I remember not wanting to read it, because quite honestly I wanted to hang out in the muck and mire of sadness. I wasn’t sure I wanted to read anything hopeful.

I did though. I read the book and it was life-changing and full of hope. I suggest everyone read this book, especially around this time of year. The name of the book is called Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It follows the life of a Christian family in Poland during WWII. Eventually Corrie and her family end up in a concentration camp. This is a synopsis of a passage in the book and what Corrie’s sister Betsie had to say about giving thanks.

“Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie were in a German concentration camp, a horrific, flea-ridden, death-dealing place. Both girls were afraid, but Betsie came to Corrie one day with an idea that might help them. She quoted a passage from 1 Thessalonians: “. . .give thanks in all circumstances.”

Corrie quickly replied that she could not give thanks for the fleas.

Betsie reminded her that she could give thanks that the two of them were together, as most families had been split apart.

Corrie said she could give thanks for that, but not the fleas.

Then Betsie noted that somehow the guards had not checked her luggage, and therefore her bible had not been confiscated.

Corrie agreed she could be thankful for that, but not for the fleas. She could not, she said, under any circumstance, give thanks for the pestilential fleas.

But eventually Corrie learned that the only reason she and her sister had not been assaulted by the guards was because their captors were so repulsed by the fleas that they would not enter the girls’ barracks.

Years later, Corrie ten Boom reflected that this is how she was taught to give thanks for all things—because you just never know.

Right now, can you name five things for which you are thankful? – Corrie ten Boom

I can tell you right now when you are in the practice of giving thanks, the other things fade. They don’t go away-your pain, your loneliness, your missing them, but they are lessened when your focus is placed elsewhere.

Why not place your focus on giving thanks-first for God and what He has done for us, and then for those around you, and finally for all the things you have been given? How about on this thanksgiving you challenge everyone at your gathering to name just one thing they are thankful for?

Watch the climate of the room change. Then take it into each day of your life. I am challenging myself to remember this as well. There is always a reason to give thanks.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Offer to God a sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High God. Psalm 50:14