Giving Thanks

“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:12

Thanksgiving posts have largely come and gone, and you are probably eagerly decorating the Christmas tree and are full steam ahead towards Christmas (I am also, let me assure you!). Before fully committing to Christmas however, I’ve am finding myself dwelling on a rich week of Thanksgiving and don’t wish to skip over it in my eagerness for Christmas.

Although this is primarily a blog on entrepreneurship, it is hard for me to write about those things completely without accentuating occasionally with personal life happenings. In a year that perhaps has been my most difficult in many ways, here are five things that I am abundantly thankful for in the midst of both trial and blessing.

1. 1. Creation

The sunsets this month have been extra remarkable. Golden hues start at the horizon and then for a brief moment explode far across the sky in every direction; wisps of cloud changing in color and texture from second to second. There’s nothing quite like working outside and seeing the sky change from routine to remarkable in every possible way in the blink of an eye.

One of my favorite parts of extraordinary sunsets is that that they often give very little indication that they will be extraordinary. The other evening, I grabbed my camera as the sun was setting but was disappointed that as the sun began dipping behind the western horizon, the clouds remained dull and lifeless. Two minutes later, as I was about to turn and go back inside, the sky began to be illuminated with beautiful oranges and pinks and reds and grew into one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. I love the Lord’s ability to create beauty in an instant and it is a source of great hope for me when the clouds of life sometimes appear to be dull and lifeless.

2. Music

The capability of music in its numerous purposes is nothing short of miraculous. Taylor Swift released her rerecording of her famous Red album earlier this month, and the moment the songs begin to play, a wave of nostalgia comes crashing over the listener.

“Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much

But maybe this thing was a masterpiece ’til you tore it all up”

Nostalgia from the memories of listening to the album when she first released it nine years ago, nostalgia from the memories remembered through the lyrics, and somehow a nostalgia for Taylor’s own memories and feeling expressed in the songs. The music heightens our experience with these feelings in an unexplainable way and I’m so thankful for this unique aspect of beauty and enjoyment that the Lord has given us and allowed us to participate in.  

We don’t only use music for our own simple enjoyment however. The Lord in His wisdom has asked us for praise and worship in the form of music and how incredible and gracious that He has created us to enjoy the offering of praise to Him in the form of song? I had the pleasure of worshiping the Lord at a small church in North Carolina this morning, and as the hymns reverberated off the brick walls and stained-glass windows and rose up to the cathedral ceilings above in ethereal majesty, what choice did I have except to be thankful beyond measure?

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” Col 3:16

3. Friends/Family

Family is perhaps a contentious subject around the holidays, and it makes me that much more thankful to be a part of a family and group of friends who continually encourage and enjoy life together. The blessing of family dinners and Friendsgiving celebrations still echo in my ears and God’s blessing abounds more and more each year.

 Friendship and family often require work and effort, but how kind of the Lord to give us one another? Even the ending of friendship in its most painful moments sheds light on its value and the longing that God has created in us. God desires to be in relationship with each of us, and has created us to be in relationship with one another as well. I’m so grateful for the blessing of walking this with fellow Christ followers and look forward to our perfect heavenly friendships someday.

4. The Church

This past week has been full of encouraging conversations about what the Lord is doing in different bodies of believers across the country. Whether it be in North Carolina, Idaho, or California; the Lord’s Church is worshiping, discipling, and seeking Him together. One of the most encouraging conversations was centered around a recent church plant. The young pastor’s passion for the work of the church in the body of believers was a breath of fresh air and his vision for their worship, fellowship, and discipleship was an encouragement and inspiration. May we continue to boldly proclaim the name of the Lord together!

5. Sanctifying Grace

Finally, I am most thankful for God’s sanctifying grace. Without sanctification we are nothing; even if we are forgiven, what a wretched lot if we must remain in our sins and brokenness!

“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col 1:9-14

God has promised us an inheritance with the saints and has delivered us from our bondage to sin and darkness. Sins forgiven; redeemed; the promise and hope of heaven; is there any greater cause for thanksgiving? Is there any greater reason for rejoicing? Is there any better way to prepare our hearts for the joy and celebration of Christmas? May we continue boldly in the grace of the Lord, rejoicing in all that He has given us and eagerly looking onward to the promise of what is to come!