A time for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving baskets just went out the front door of the church. We work through the counseling office at one of our closest elementary schools. The school sends out a notice concerning families that would not be able to afford to have a Thanksgiving dinner. Many of those responses are forwarded on to our church.

Last year, our regular “delivery” person was unable to deliver the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Yours truly became the driver. Some families were very matter-of-fact about receiving the food and presents. I guess that is to be expected. Then there were those families who were in tears—they were VERY grateful. They couldn’t believe that people they had never met would go out of their way to provide a Thanksgiving dinner and then a Christmas dinner and presents just a few weeks later.

Serving as the “delivery” person reminded me of God’s grace. Those families did nothing to earn or deserve the food and the presents. Some families were in their current situation due to poor choices they had made. My heart was touched. Remember, there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness. Some of us may find ourselves in a mess that we caused. Yet, God has shown us love, grace and mercy in that while we were separated from him, he sent his son to pay the penalty for our sin. Some who hear the good new of Jesus are touched and their lives are changed forever. This transformation touches the heart of God.

This Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for God’s grace.