Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/91

Contributor - Harry Frielink

Title - What Thanksgiving Means to Me

Topic - Thanksgiving

At the age of nineteen the details of my future seem uncertain. My past gives me reason to be proud of the successes and happiness I've experienced. As Thanksgiving approaches how easy and incomplete it would be to simply take an inventory of the honours, accomplishments, and possessions that I have attained, and say, Thanks God for all these goodies.

From the unique vantage point of a young person with few accomplishments and even fewer possessions, I have come to realize that Thanksgiving is an attitude which changes the way we live as we focus on God. It really is rather shallow to thank God only for the special blessings we notice in our lives. As humans we are all miracles of life, owing praise to God for creation and all that is in it. As Christians we are to rejoice constantly in all circumstances, not merely when we count our blessings. Looking back over my nineteen years I can see both the good and the bad: winning an election; lying in a hospital bed recovering from back surgery. Through it all I'm comforted that God is working in me for good (Romans 8:28). Knowing God is in control not only allows me to respond in thanksgiving in all situations, but it frees me with the challenge to life relating God joyfully to everything.

In the Old Testament thanksgiving was the focus of worship, and we are to worship God by how we lead every part of our lives. Thus our lives should be focused on thanksgiving.

God is faithful, He has delivered and protected me, He has given me my dreams and talents, 'He has blessed me with health, family, food, and shelter. How foolish a child as I would be to only acknowledge this and then continue living my life in selfishness. Clearly He is most worthy of receiving a life of thankfulness from me!

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