We celebrate this season of thankfulness with constant reminders of food, gatherings, and for some, there’s a lot of football involved. Well. Maybe some football if COVID hasn’t trounced on a team, or network!
Yet, there’s an odd side of thankfulness that haunts some of us. Maybe all of us, if we pause and think about it. What is it? I’m glad you asked, and with a quick thought let me share this.
Thankfulness is all about giving, receiving, and being. For those of us who are blessed with “much,” there are many more who are far out of favor with the season. Panhandlers, homeless, those who must work along with those that cannot work. Those climbing the ladder of success pause and move over for those that are slipping and sliding to the bottom.
How can we say we’re thankful
and ignore those who are struggling with life?
This is not a guilt trip for any of us, rather, it’s a thoughtful pause about thinking of better conclusions. How can any of us feel the blessing when so many of us cannot? Sending money to the foodbank is a nice way to ease the guilt, but remember, this is not about guilt. It’s about better conclusions.
Here’s My Thought
Jesus told his disciples, “You will have the poor with you always…” (Mark 14:7). What you do for them is good, but you will not have him (Jesus) with you for very long. In other words, the cross is soon, and I will be gone, take advantage of my presence now.
On the day after Pentecost, you know, where the church was formed in power (dunamis), Peter and John are headed to the temple to pray. The hour of prayer, 3 pm or so, would have been that 9th hour. It was their custom, and they had been there many times. In fact, they had probably experienced the man begging for alms at the gate called Beautiful. (Acts 3)
Only, today, something was different.
When they paused before the man, he looked to them expecting to receive. Those famous words I learned when I was a child are words I easily quote today.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee:
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
(Acts 3:6 KJV)
What happened next is that first miracle recorded of the church in action. It wasn’t there to give a handout, but with the Power of the Spirit, Peter reached out as the man reached up. Connection! Healing flowed and the man leaped to his feet completely healed.
His expectation. Peter’s willingness. God’s healing. The trifecta!
A need, hand, healing. Yes. There is a need. It’s in my hand to present. But giving a cup of water in the name of Jesus? Well, that’s where the blessing comes in. It’s not about you or me, it’s all about a better conclusion.
Maybe this is where our “thankfulness” should lead us. Today. Reach out and be that willingness to help a need. God’s healing abounds. Gift. Giver. Receiver. Thankful.