In many parts of the world at this time of year, the leaves on the trees turn shades of orange and red. One of my favourite memories of Thanksgiving is of a friend and I driving to her cottage on Oxtongue Lake, near Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada, for a couple of weeks' break. The road was simply beautiful with the maple leaves shining red on both sides of the highway. It was so stunning up there, and it restored my worn-out soul.

How do we act when we are thankful? My feelings of gratitude became an inspiration inside that took me into the rowboat and around the lake. In the quietness everywhere, there was a supreme sense of calm.

What does the Bible say about our feelings of thanksgiving?

Psalm 100:4 – Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV)

When we think of what the Lord Jesus has accomplished for us and with us, we should be full of feelings of joy, gratitude, praise, and thanks.

When we see the red leaves on the trees, they can remind us to be thankful to God for health, for food, for friends, for worship, for the Holy Spirit with us. Are we thankful to God for who we are and what we have?

Philippians 4:5b-7 – The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Perhaps we can take this Thanksgiving weekend as a chance to request that our hearts and minds will be safe in Jesus. The red leaves falling will speak of God's message to us: whenever we fall, He will be near to catch us. All will be well. Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Here is what He gives us each day: He gives us the oil of the Holy Spirit in our lamps to keep us burning; He gives us joy in our hearts to keep us praising; He gives us peace in our hearts to keep us resting; and He gives us love in our hearts to keep us serving. These gifts are what we find under the Thanksgiving Tree each day.

Prayer: Lord, we see You; we love You. Please help us to serve You well today and always, for You are a wonderfully caring God, and we love serving You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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