Newsletter

October 2011 Newsletter

What's So Hard about Giving Thanks by Pat Harley

When my daughter Cameron was in high school she announced that she was doing a survey. She would make a point to hold the door open for someone when entering or leaving a building and then she would make a note of those people who said "thank you". After many weeks went by she reported back with some dismay that it was rare, so very rare when anyone would say a simple "thank you". In fact from the tens of folks she had included in her survey perhaps only one or two had responded as she had hoped.

God gave us a great picture as He led the Israelites out of brutal slavery in Egypt. They were a sorry bunch. Actually they were just like you and me. God gave them manna, they wanted quail. He gave them quail, they complained. He gave them laws to protect them and their society and they broke them. He led with the fire by night and a cloud by day and they didn't want to follow. He wanted to give them land and they refused to do their part. Over and over they refused to thank God for all He had done. And so God responded, and they spent forty years in the dessert wilderness burying their friends and family.

So what is with us human beings that we have such a hard time offering up simple words of thanks, daily living as grateful people? Cameron's survey has been helpful in diagnosing this disease. Because of the survey I have paid far more attention to my own response when someone holds the door for me. When I neglect to offer words of thanks here are my excuses:

1. I am too much involved in my own thoughts.
2. I am too busy.
3. I am in a hurry.
4. I decide it isn't important.
5. I am burdened with a sorrow or distressed over something.
6. I think they don't deserve it because they haven't done very much.

Have you noticed the reoccurring theme? I. I. I. I.

So here we are nearing the one day that was set apart not for football but for Thanksgiving. It is one day that we can choose to turn our eyes upon the Giver of all things and be overwhelmed with His great provision. Do you own a car? Give thanks as most people in the world do not. Do you have central heat and air? Give thanks because most people in the world do not. Do you have an education? Give thanks. Do you have food in your refrigerator? Give thanks. Can you move without great pain? Many can't. Do you have a family who loves you? Give thanks and mourn for those who do not. God has been good to you. Give thanks.

And while you are at it, when someone opens that door for you, look them in the eye and give thanks. It just may be Cameron and you will raise the numbers on her survey!