Thanksgiving 2013

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

I woke 5 am to no alarm this morning and rustled in bed only to get the normal and reasonable response from my wife, "why don't you get up and have some coffee."  My ears hear, "get out of here and let me sleep!"  Time to serve my wife and get up...

Love Thanksgiving mornings and the thoughts of what is ahead in the day. Group ride, hanging with family, playing with the kids, delicious foods, wine, and a stomach ache (or two) as the day progresses.  It is one of those days that reminds me that "my cup overflows..."

As I sat this morning looking to read various news articles of the world, I found this article Opening the Gates which describes that the leaders of Iran were considering (or reconsidering) their rule of whether the women of their country may watch world soccer.  As I read on, I was reminded of the realities of the world and different countries that oppress their people in the name of their religion.  Unfortunately, the article does not seem to state that the reality for women in Iran will change anytime soon, especially under the regime of the nations Islamic Law.  It pauses me this morning to give thanks for so much.

This guttural thanks is not just rooted in giving praise for basic comforts and our country's prosperity (those things are good too), but a much greater thanks for our real and eternal freedom in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is my prayer that both our religious freedoms and basic liberties never change.  I also pray for those who are oppressed (such as the women of Iran) and looking forward to when God decides to explode his Church in even that part of the world.  May he open the real gates of freedom!

God thank you for this life and the wonder of your world.  Thank you for my marriage and the joy of family.  Thank you for my children, Sean and Amber.  Thank you that my daughter can live in freedom without oppression and being cursed a second class citizen!  Thank you for your hand in our lives.  Thank you for the reminder to trust you always, and to remember that it is not our circumstances that say we are blessed, but rather the much deeper and eternal blessing of knowing you and being loved by you.

Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving to you all...