rvisione
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 Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 4:29 pm Post subject: Essays of Renaldo Visione - Thanksgiving |
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Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving holiday obviously causes one to ask the question, “For what am I thankful?” When first asked, it may be just a little difficult to answer. I might come up with a few thoughts, but it just isn’t something I think about on a regular basis.
I know I can think of a few things for which I am thankful, such as my family, my health, some good thing that happened to me the other day. The trouble is, at first thought, I just kind of draw a blank. The reality is that I should be thankful for all that is around me. The problem is, I just don’t seem to recognize everything for which I should give thanks.
The simple fact of the matter is that I don’t truly understand the value of many things until I must do without them. Sometimes I am temporarily deprived of something, like electricity during a power outage. It is an inconvenience, but I know it will come back. I take it for granted - and there is the point.
I struggle to think of the things I should be thankful for because there are just so many things. The truth is that I do not recognize them because I take them for granted. Do I truly realize all that I receive to comfort and sustain my life? Am I aware of all the people that make sure I have sustenance and comfort? Do I even know or understand all that happens which allows me everything I have? Is it just my comforts for which I should be thankful? Should I also be thankful for those opportunities, those trials, and those tribulations that allow me to demonstrate living my faith?
God’s gifts are all that is around me. It is all that God makes available to me; it is all that God sends to sustain me; it is all that God sends to test me; it is all the talents and gifts that God gives us to enrich each other. His gifts are all so abundant. How could I ever make a list of it all? How inadequate, then, is it to simply say, “Lord, thank You for all You give to me.”
It is right for us to give the Lord our thanks and praise. There are many times I have, but do I give my thanks in prayer enough? Is it possible that in all the things I take for granted, it is the Lord I take for granted the most? I certainly call upon the Lord when I feel that I am in trouble, but do I remember Him when all is right, when I am truly comfortable, when I am warm, when I am fed, when I am safe, when I am with loved ones, when joy fills my heart, when I have accomplished some achievement – great or small? Do I remember to include Him in all that is my life, not just the troubles, the sorrows, the things that cause me pain?
To be honest with myself, I am quick to call for His help, no matter how microscopic the splinter in my palm, but I often fail to give the Lord my thanks for all that He has given me. I could just lump it all together in one simple prayer of thanks, check the box – “Oh by the way Lord, thanks for this and that….” - but is that really fair? With all that He has granted to me in life, it is only right that I should take more time to reflect on His blessings and to offer prayers of thanks, not just upon a holiday, not just on a special occasion, not just here or there; but as a part of my life, my thoughts, my words, my prayers, my heart and my soul.
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)
Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. (1 Chronicles 16:8-9)
Renaldo Visione
© by Renaldo Visione, all rights reserved. Printed at the Guardian Angel Store with permission.
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Anonymous
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| Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 11:42 am Post subject: Thanksgiving |
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Dear Renaldo,
Your thoughts are lovely. Is it not just our nature to forget how to be thankful? I think it is. Even in our everyday lives we are always quick to snap if things are bothering us or not going our way. How often do we turn around and say thank you for some gesture of kindness? As a society, we are all way way way tooooo busy to be thoughtful.
Perhaps in this holy season, we might all try to be a little less "busy" and a tiny bit more "thoughtful". Keep writing Renaldo. Your thoughts are very provoking and inspiring. Blessings to you. Cheryl
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rvisione
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Joined: Nov 09, 2005
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| Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:49 pm Post subject: Thank You |
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Cheryl,
Thank you for your thoughts and your observations. If you find some value in my words, I thank God for that gift.
Your comment is very insightful about how much we take for granted every day.
God Bless,
Renaldo
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