Autumn in South Florida is not marked by a vibrant display of falling leaves; it is marked by a case of November Nerves. If I'm being honest, my cortisol levels are probably maxed out as I split my time between the demands of work and my mother's hospital bedside. I often wonder how the heroes of the faith (who seemed to live in a perpetual season of trials) mustered up the energy to praise God with such expressions of thankfulness.
The thought-provoking quote, "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing," is attributed to George Bernard Shaw. Tomorrow is Election Day and regardless of the outcome, ultimately, there may be some regrets. No matter who is in The White House, only Jesus Christ is on the throne. My prayer is that the roar of thankfulness will drown out the murmur of complaints. Regardless of what you once had, the only thing that counts is what you do with the gifts that you still hold in your hand. Steward those things well, though they be few.
Multiplication is God’s specialty, so with Thanksgiving just ahead, get a “bigger table” for the bounty that you desire, both naturally and spiritually. The posture of thankfulness should drive us to our knees. Don’t rail against your neighbor because of an “us versus them” mentality. Pray for the misguided, the misfortunate and the broken. Then rise with purpose, allowing the divine to overflow and flood the banks of this parched planet. God has been too benevolent for us to waste another moment moping in regret land.
The greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight, but how often do we shake our fists at the heavens and continue panning for synthetic gems? Even if life’s hurricanes have torn everything asunder, there is a solid rock that you can grip with the greatest assurance. I remember the saints of old swaying in tent meetings to a chorus of “Though all hell assails me, I shall not be moved" as it went through a plethora of scenarios but ended on a note of resolve. Trials are the defining moment of truth and 2024 has been one for the books!
Three days ago, I toured rehabilitation facilities and selected a place for my mother to spend the next six weeks healing. The loss of my father is still very fresh, and this Thanksgiving is going to be VASTLY different. Yet Paul and Silas found a reason to sing from behind prison bars. So will I. When inflation has you feeling deflated and good friends are few, remember that seasons are temporary. In this moment, breathe in the crisp autumn air, savor your pumpkin spice latte, and know that you are blessed beyond measure.
Ephesians 3: 16-21 (KJV)
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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