A few weeks ago at our house we celebrated Thanksgiving early as our family was together and it was a great opportunity to pause and give thanks. As we come upon the designated day to give thanks let’s take a moment and think about those who have chosen to serve us and others; be thankful. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Giving of ourselves to others is not something that comes naturally; we have to work at it. Many times it is a difficult choice between serving ourselves and serving others. As I look around I see many who have been serving us through this pandemic. I am thankful for them.
Thanksgiving gives us a time to reflect on all that God has blessed us with. We don’t have to look very far before we find something or someone we are thankful for. There are many this Thanksgiving that have lost everything, but yet they are thankful for the lives they have and their family and friends around them.
Many times we take for granted those who are here with us. We forget that in a moment all that we have can vanish, washed away. The things in life we hold so precious are nothing compared to the life we have been given and the lives we are a part of. Who are you thankful for? Go to them and let them know how much they mean to you.
Much of the grass roots racing depends on volunteers to do a good part of the work that goes into getting a car ready to race. Everyone connected with racing knows what it is like to give up sleep to work on the car. We are all familiar with seeing the inside of the garage more than the inside of your living room. We willfully give of ourselves to go racing.
Life has similar people who give of themselves for the benefit of others. Several groups come to my mind; our military, first responders, medical staff and hospitals. We are thankful for them all. Those in the military hold a special place in my heart. They offer up their life to secure our freedom. From the birth of our country there have been those who value our freedom and what America stands for so much that they have offered their life for it.
As I thought about the things I was thankful for God came to mind. God provides us with a very special gift that cannot be bought. He provided us with His Love. Loving someone is an interesting thing, you cannot buy love. Love is offered but not always accepted.
God, in his infinite mercy, loves us. We are the most valuable part of his creation. He loves us so much he has taken steps to provide a way for us to have a relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for God’s tolerance. He allows me to choose the path my life takes and when it moves away from him he tolerates that. He doesn’t accept it and he makes an effort to draw my feet back onto the right path, but he doesn’t condemn me for choosing to go in the wrong direction.
How many people do you know that are as tolerant as God? I do not know of anyone. Jesus explained that he did not come into the world to condemn the world but to save it. That statement alone makes it clear to us that God is patient and tolerant. He loves us enough he sent his son to teach and guide us along the right path. No greater love than this that he lay down his life for his friends.
That is something to be thankful for, that while we still fall short of God’s plan for our lives; when we choose to go in a direction that leads away from God; when we choose to act in a way that dishonors God; He still loves us.
God provided the only sacrifice that could overcome our disobedience, His Son. He loved us so much that he made that available to us for the asking. Jesus came and gave His life so that we could have life. He paid the price for our sins. God presented it to us as a gift. We need only to receive it. Now that is something to be thankful for.
Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
