I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving. It seems as if we just started November, but alas, by the time this post comes out, we’ll be in the second half of the month. To be honest, I’ve just gotten used to writing 2025, and soon I’m going to have to change it again! My word. But as we approach Thanksgiving, it’s always a good time to think about what we can give thanks for.
10 years ago about this time of year
Along with giving thanks, this time of year reminds me of what happened to our family 10 years ago. That was when giving thanks was still important to do, but hard. I wrote about the circumstances a couple of years ago, but I think it’s good to be reminded of some of the lessons learned. We need to be careful about what we’re complaining about. Even the good things. As we stress about what we’re getting everyone on our list, we should soberly keep in mind that many only wish to simply have the resources to buy a couple of gifts for their children. Many of our “problems” would be gladly and gratefully received by someone else.
I’m already hearing people talk about the things that need to get done, and the gifts that need to be purchased. There’s obviously nothing wrong with that! Early planning and buying are never bad ideas. But as we go about shopping for our family and friends, I pray that we all keep in mind that figuring out the perfect gift for each person may be difficult to work out, but is far from the worst problem to have. That long Christmas gift list for people we care about is a blessing, not a burden. It may not be our knee jerk reaction, but we should choose to be thankful for that list.
Outside of the United States
I’ve also been thinking a lot about Nigeria and our brothers and sisters going to church on Sundays. They’re often not sure if they will still be alive by the end of the service. I was listening to the Eric Metaxas Show, who had Larry Taunton on. Taunton spoke about how the persecution in Nigeria is extremely serious. Some faithful Nigerian Christians weren’t even defending themselves before, since they had been told by Christian missionaries not to. That naive and misguided conviction has cost them dearly, with Muslim extremists happy to send them to their deaths. Obviously, this made them easy targets. It’s hard enough to defend yourself when you’re armed, impossible when you’re not.
And then there’s Somalia. Somalia hasn’t been reported about recently in main stream media, but there also there is tremendous violence directed at Christians by Muslim extremists. Since “being Muslim is a huge part of Somali identity” according to Open Doors, the persecution often comes from family who refuse to allow for anyone to convert to Christianity.
God’s Providence
I say all of this not to make anyone feel guilty. We all have different lives that in His providence, He has allowed. I’m currently reading all of the Chronicles of Narnia and I’m almost done with The Horse and His Boy. In this particular book, Aslan explains to Shasta how He was there in Shasta’s life, directing and protecting him. Shasta had no idea that there was a benevolent being that was directing many of the events in his life when he was in the middle of all of his misfortunes and adventures. He had assumed it was all just his bad luck. When Shasta asks about why Aslan did what He did in another person’s life, Aslan told him that essentially, that was none of his business.
I think that applies to us too. Those Believers in other countries are there according to the will of God. Just as much as we are here in the United States according to the will of God. However, I think it’s important we are informed of the sacrifices and lives of other Believers not just so we can pray for them, but so we can put our problems and challenges into their proper perspective. We must be thankful for all that we’ve been given, rather than angry about what we may not get.
Ask my kids, that is one of several mantras I share with them. All the time (ahem). And every time those words roll off my tongue, the LORD reminds me how much my own ears need to hear that too. We all have so much to be thankful for. I just pray we have the eyes to see it and heart to acknowledge it.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
Eric Metaxas’s book on Thanksgiving is technically a children’s book, but it’s such a great story to read at Thanksgiving for the entire family. Squanto’s life seemed insanely hard. From being kidnapped and taken to a foreign country, learning different languages, and the trauma of being alone with no family, you’d think Squanto’s life story would be a very sad one. It would make sense that he would be bitter and angry. But God! That was Joseph’s story as he was dragged off to Egypt, betrayed by his brothers. That was David’s story as he was chased by Saul for really no good reason. And that’s each of our stories in a variety of different ways.
Yes, there are difficult things that happen to us. Some may seem worse than others, but all of it is, or has been, or will be, hard. That’s life on this side of heaven. But the LORD promises to use all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And last time I checked, ALL, in the original Greek or in English or any language, means ALL. As in everything. Praise God.
I hope you all are looking forward to your Thanksgiving! We at MHM pray you enjoy the gifts the LORD has given you. And read some wonderful Thanksgiving stories before you eat that turkey and take a nap!
One more thing
Please don’t forget to get the Mamas and Dads in your life our awesome Christmas bundles! They’re the perfect gift, especially for those who love great books, fantastic coffee with a purpose, and an awesome mug to drink said coffee out of.
Click on the images below to purchase one of our Christmas bundles!
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