My oldest son, Jonathan, recently got his driver’s license and a job at a fast food restaurant. I’m proud of him on both counts. If Jonathan says to me, “Dad, thanks for all you do,” Will that make me happy? Of course, it will. On the other hand, what if Jonathan says to me, “Dad, I heard how much it costs for car insurance now that I have my license. Thank you for paying for that. Dad, thank you for buying the dress slacks I need for my job. Dad, thank you for buying new dress shoes for my big feet so that I can work at Chick-fil-A. Dad, you really spend a lot of time and gas money taking me back and forth to work. Thank you.” Will I be happier? As a father, yes, I would be happier because each of those points that he has thanked me for is now a shared point in our relationship that binds us closer together. Is he thankful if he gives the short “thank you?” Yes. Do I feel he is more thankful if he recognizes each blessing? Yes.
When you express your thanks this holiday, spend some time noting the blessings you recognize in your relationship with God that bind you closer together with your Savior. Don’t let the broad, sweeping forest keep you from seeing your trees of thankfulness. As the old hymn goes,
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
- I am thankful for partners in ministry such as yourselves that believe in our message so deeply that they give sacrificially of their own means to allow us to do what we do.
- I am thankful for capable staff who manage our operations and training well to give us resources to offer.
- I am thankful for volunteers who are willing to lend insights and labors for everything from branding and marketing to back-end email and databases.
- I am thankful for major donors whom God has blessed with resources to keep our operations going.
- I am thankful for a talented and committed board of directors who share a passion for tentmaking through their wise counsel and good accountability.
- I am thankful for the work the Lord has given us to do.
May the Lord’s abundant blessings fill you with thanksgiving and joy!
