To Whom Do You Give Thanks?

"I'm thankful for my kids."
"I'm thankful I have a job."
"I'm thankful for good health."
"I'm thankful that I live in America."
"I'm thankful for my friends."
"I'm thankful my cancer is in remission."

As families and friends gather together on Thanksgiving Day, many of them will have a time of expressing gratitude for the special things in their life. Smiles will break forth as they begin to list wonderful blessings in their individual lives. Other family members will nodd in agreement and understanding. Yes, this is a day to remember to give thanks. But, common sense teaches us if we give thanks there must be a recipient of the gratitude. So, to whom do you give thanks?

Not too long ago, an elderly man was reminded of the turkey-filled holiday we affectionately call Thanksgiving. He was told that it was a day we give thanks to God. His respose, "Why should I thank God? I am the one that has worked all my life to make the money to buy all the material possessions I enjoy!" The other person responded, "But God gave you the health, strength and ability to work all those years to provide for your needs and desires." The older man just grumbled and was at a loss for words.

You may be enjoying a horn of plenty this year. Maybe you got a raise at work or your boss praised you for your diligence and faithfulness. Or perhaps a new little bundle filled your arms this year—all pink, soft and cuddly. Or maybe you even received a clean bill of health from the doctor. Whatever the case, your blessings came from God himself.

"But I am not a believer!" you might say.

It doesn't matter. God has mercy on the just and unjust. The very fact that you are walking, breathing, living and about to enjoy all the festivities of Thanksgiving, is evidence in itself that God has had mercy on your soul.

May you take time today to look up to heaven, and thank the One who has given you everything. It is not enough just to "give thanks." Direct your thanksgiving to someone. Direct your thanksgiving to the One that has given you all the gifts. That someone is Jesus Christ. Not only did he give you many gifts, but He Himself is a gift!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).