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Every Day Is Thanksgiving Day |
2006-11-01 |
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This is the time of year when the days grow short, but the list of things to do every day stays long! Responsibilities at work, the kids' school and after school activities, church activities, house work, managing the household budget and paying bills, maintaining a good relationship with my wife and children, and trying to find some time to rest are just some of the stresses and demands on my time that I can think of. You can probably come up with a similar list of your own very easily. St. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
When we are running ourselves ragged trying to accomplish so many things in a day, our attitude is probably more one of frustration and fatigue than rejoicing, prayer and thanksgiving.
The many demands of the day can overwhelm us, and before we know it the time is gone that God gave us to find joy in through our work and our loved ones. Each day is a gift. We need to remind ourselves of that, especially when the demands we face are not something we feel too thankful for! The small things are what always surprise me and remind me to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. When I go to pick up my soon-to-be nine year old son from school or when we walk to the library together, he still holds my hand. To have my son still want to hold my hand, or give me a kiss when I drop him off for school, reminds me of how much God has given me. When I watch my daughters participate in sports or music, or when they give me a hug, or snuggle with me even though they are teenagers now, or when my wife tells me she loves me and gives me a kiss, or when I enjoy a seven mile run on a beautiful day, or when someone thanks me or tells me they are praying for me, I ask God "what good thing did I do to deserve all this?" Then the press of work responsibilities, or the worries about where the money is going to come from to pay the stack of bills that never goes away, or any of the other things that weigh on my mind throughout the day, fall into their proper perspective.
Maybe that is why Paul tells us to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." We will never take anything for granted, we will make the most of every opportunity we are given, and we will make a difference in the world if we involve God in every minute of our lives and receive it thankfully. Thanksgiving isn't just a once a year holiday. Thanksgiving is an everyday state of mind. God bless you in your busy life! You have much to be thankful for. God keeps reminding me that I do, one day at a time.
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Summer: starting Memorial Day Weekend
9:00 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm
Winter: starting after Labor Day
8:30 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
9:35 am Educational Hour
9:35 am Coffee and Fellowship
10:45 am Worship Service
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm |
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401 South Flynn Drive
Milbank SD 57252
605.432.5566 |
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