We played a couple rounds of "thankful for" at lunch today. This is where you go around the table and name something you're thankful for. My day job is an HR associate, so this was my boss's way of making this a "working lunch." As the 5 of us went around the table sharing things we're thankful for (life, home, family, friends, job, etc) I couldn't help but feel it was all a bit hollow. It's all well and good to be thankful for things. It brightens our outlook on life and helps us focus on the positive...after all, no one likes a Negative Nelly. But, to whom are we thankful? If that thanks is not directed at the Giver, it truly is hollow. What good does it do to tell my friend that I'm thankful for the birthday gift my parents gave me, especially if I neglect or refuse to thank them directly? In the same way, we should direct our thanks to the Giver of all good things, otherwise, what's the point?
James 1:16-17 esv
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
What gifts are you thankful to our Father for today?
A really good point, Angela. It reminds me of what Ann Voskamp says in her book -- something about painting with a sloppy paintbrush of thanks.
ReplyDeleteToday, I am thankful to God for a safe trip home, boys who welcome me with hugs and smiles, a husband who cooks a fab dinner, and a cozy bed (to which I am retiring to now!).