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This past week I had the opportunity to visit with family and friends in Florida. On one of the days, my father and I spent time paddling down the Econlockhatchee River. I have spent thousands of hours on that river and watched the beauty of God's creation change in so many ways across the years. On this trip, we encountered a variety of creatures, including dozens of alligators, wild hogs, herons, raccoons, ducks, and deer. There was one animal that particularly struck me. In the clear warm sunlight of a cool Florida morning, a young white-tailed buck was lying in the grass on a bluff about ten feet above the river. Safely in his resting spot, he watched as we floated by. He was content to rest there, free from the pursuit of predators, warming in the sun after a chilly night.
It occurred to me that there was a gratefulness in this buck's contented perch. It was a simple pleasure for a creature that had daily survival needs to be met. I wonder, what simple things in your life are you thankful for? A moment shared with friends around the table? A quiet pause in the middle of a hectic season? The sight of the fiery red maple or brilliant yellow sycamore in fall? Whatever you are thankful for, pause and pray. Give thanks to God for His goodness towards you, His forgiven child.
In James 1:17 we read, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (NIV). Often we remember to thank God for big things but lose sight of Him in the small ones. Every good and perfect gift is from Him, including a joyful moment with friends, the beauty of fall, and the salvation won for us in Christ Jesus.
This Thanksgiving, as we look toward Advent, pause and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the small things, and also for the gift of Jesus Christ, through whom we have salvation and eternal life.
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