I would have to say that I am most thankful for love.
Because love can cover just about everything. It was love that sent our Savior to the cross to pay for our sins. It is love that unites family and friends together—knit in harmony. It is love that is the greatest of all virtues (1 Cor.13). It is love that says "I love you and I'm willing to deny myself for you" (John 15:13). It is true love that is not just a feeling but a commitment. It is love that God gives everyday in His mercy, grace, and forgiveness, in giving us life and health and raiment and shelter. I'd say that love ranks tops on my list.
It is hard for me to fathom the depth of love. And when I say love, I'm not talking about this modern Grecian-version of love that happens between a guy and girl at first sight—you know, the head-over-heels type. Of course there will be romance and all that goo in courtship and marriage (c'mon, every girl likes it!), but I am referring to: A father's tender embrace. A mother's warm smile. A sister's giggle. A blossoming friendship. A brother's silly joke. A gathering of thankful hearts. Worship and praise to God. A baby's cherub dimpled grin. Commitment. Encouragement. Faithfulness. Devotion. Inspiration. Joy. And many other such blessings. The simple yet most profound things of life.
Thanksgiving is most definitely a time of praise and thanksgiving to the Creator, even though every day ought to be the same. Now is a time when we sit back and thank God for all of the blessings He has imparted to His humble subjects. Because the truth is, He has done so much for us and we barely even recognize His presence in our lives. Many times we take God for...heaven forbid...granted. How in the world could such lowly people, basically scum in God's sight because of our sin, take the Most Holy One for granted when He has done so much for us?
In fact, it is very easy. We get caught up in our own little worlds of selfishness and pride, and forget that it was God who made us, God who gives us breath each day, and God who could take away everything we hold dear in a heartbeat. Simply because He is God, completely sovereign, and He has every right to do what He deems best. Simply because He is God. And that is why I am most thankful for love because I see love in the grace of God that He would give us even a tiny morsel of bread, or a glimmer of light in darkened lives, or forgiveness amidst our sin. Or so much more that we don't even deserve.
It was love that shaped our individual lives. It is love that continues to shape our lives according to His will and plan. It is love that I hold most dear, and I believe that love sums up our entire lives. Love is salvation and sanctification all rolled into one.
May y'all have more than just a blessed Thanksgiving—may it be full of the richest and deepest love imaginable. May God shine His love upon you and your families, and rain down many blessings upon each individual. Remember that it is love that keeps us going, so I believe it is our duty to love in return. And not just an ordinary type of love either. An incredible, sacrificing, amazing, forgiving, inspirational, joyful, heroic love. And let us rejoice in the goodness of God, because of His love.
"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice:
In fact, it is very easy. We get caught up in our own little worlds of selfishness and pride, and forget that it was God who made us, God who gives us breath each day, and God who could take away everything we hold dear in a heartbeat. Simply because He is God, completely sovereign, and He has every right to do what He deems best. Simply because He is God. And that is why I am most thankful for love because I see love in the grace of God that He would give us even a tiny morsel of bread, or a glimmer of light in darkened lives, or forgiveness amidst our sin. Or so much more that we don't even deserve.
It was love that shaped our individual lives. It is love that continues to shape our lives according to His will and plan. It is love that I hold most dear, and I believe that love sums up our entire lives. Love is salvation and sanctification all rolled into one.
May y'all have more than just a blessed Thanksgiving—may it be full of the richest and deepest love imaginable. May God shine His love upon you and your families, and rain down many blessings upon each individual. Remember that it is love that keeps us going, so I believe it is our duty to love in return. And not just an ordinary type of love either. An incredible, sacrificing, amazing, forgiving, inspirational, joyful, heroic love. And let us rejoice in the goodness of God, because of His love.
"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice:
let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them:
let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." -Psalm 5:11
1 comment:
Dear Rachel,
*Happy Thanksgiving!
How thankful we should be for love! That has been a really encouraging post for me. As the Word of God says, "Love is the fulfillment of the law", and how wonderful it is to know the most amazing, awe-inspiring love of all; our precious Lord Jesus dying on the Cross for our redemption!
I am so thankful that God is Sovereign in our lives and for the love and joy He gives us with which we may love and be loved by those around us, our parents, siblings, and friends. Oh that's so true, that those in need. The simple things of life, are really often very important and profound :).
I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving, Rachel, rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord in your life. In His unspeakable love,
~Joy
*We don't have Thanksgiving in Australia! Isn't that a pity? But we can still be thankful!!!!
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