Thanks Living

Bart Simpson once sat down for the family Thanksgiving meal and said, “Dear God we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing.” Unfortunately, that’s the attitude many of us have when it comes to giving thanks. We can remind our inner Bart that God is the source of all that we have.

Because of the shorter Christmas season this year, many retailers are open all day today to capitalize on the shopping potential. While there’s nothing wrong with getting a good deal and saving some money, I think it’s ironic and sad that a day we once set aside for being thankful for what we have is in danger of becoming a day all about being unsatisfied and wanting more, more, more.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Remember, your self-worth and your net-worth are not the same thing.

It’s so easy for our wanters to kick on full throttle, especially when we see the Black Friday ads. Blu-Rays for 2 bucks! I can just picture the fun now, chunking movies at people to find the one I need. But I’ve still got unopened movies from the sales of years gone by.

So today and hopefully everyday, I want to remember all the blessings I have to be thankful for. Topping the list this year are these:

• I’m thankful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for forgiving me, giving me a reason to live, and preparing a home for me in heaven. I don’t deserve any of these, even on my best day.
• I have been extremely blessed with a beautiful family! They make me so proud, beyond what they do, I’m thankful for who they are!
• It blows my mind that I get to lead an amazing church family with the most important mission on the planet to be a part of changing lives for God’s glory! It’s a privilege to actually love what I get to do every day and that I get paid for it! (I’d do it for free, but please don’t tell anybody)
• The fact is, The Connection Church staff team makes me a lot better than I am. I am so thankful to have a talented, committed dream team of people around me who pour into our shared mission! They are not only my team, they are my friends!
• I’m also thankful for each person who is a part of The Connection Church family! There is something unique and distinctively different about the TCC experience and that difference is in the people!
• In addition, I’m thankful for my health and the material blessings that I have been blessed with.

My prayer for you is that you also have a great day with family, friends, football, and food. Let God use you to be salt and light for your family. And if you choose to brave the Black Friday sales, be safe and shoot a video. I’d love to see the chaos that ensues!