The other day as I was sitting in my recliner, reading, I saw the sun's rays pierce through the array of trees outside my living room window, resembling a glowing, illuminated cross.

Special moments like these bring to mind thankfulness. As I sat and reflected, my mind turned to other parts of our planet that we call home, where our brothers and sisters are battling against the forces of nature: floods, wildfires, mudslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and giant sinkholes. For them, there are no moments of peace or a time to relax and read.

Even though all seems to be lost, there is always something to be thankful for. We can be thankful for volunteers who go out of their comfort zones to help those in need. We can be thankful for the brave firefighters who put their lives on the line in order to help a stranger. Yet, the greatest gift that we can be thankful for is the death and resurrection of Jesus, God's Son, who willingly sacrificed His life for us.

John 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (NASB)

His life on earth showed us a way to live a life of peace and resurrection from our old ways of life. All we need to do is to accept this, and turn from our old way of doing things. If we ask, the Holy Spirit will show us what areas in our life need to change, and we can be thankful for God sending us the Spirit to help us and direct us.

John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (NASB)

1 Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (NASB)

What are you thankful for, and what areas in your life need to change?

Prayer: O Lord, may Your Spirit urge and direct our hearts to give thanks, and may He show us areas in our life that need change. We ask for courage and strength to stand up against injustice and fear. May we be Jesus' examples to make this world a better place. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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