Thanks!

Seventeen years ago this Thanksgiving Crickett and I had the best Thanksgiving ever.  Caleb Scott Moore was born Thanksgiving Day of 1994.  We did not have any Turkey, dressing or Pumpkin Pie on that day, just a bundle of Joy after a long night of pain and being nervous.  Yet…that day will always be the greatest Thanksgiving day for Crickett and I. 

Thinking about that day started me thinking about all the other things that I have to be thankful for.  Yes, I am thankful for family, friends, and God’s blessing on my life…but the things that I am most thankful for are the things that are not and have not always been easy.  In a day where everything is supposed to be instant and easy we still know that the best things in life are the things that cost us something.

This is how it was at the first thanksgiving.  The pilgrims had endured a lot of pain, death, hunger and other untold sufferings and on this day they were still alive.  They had learned how to adapt and overcome and as a result a new nation was born.  They also knew that their ability to overcome and adapt was a gift from God…so it was natural for them to thank God not only for their abundance, but for their trials. 

We have a lot to be thankful for this year as a Church.  We have merged two congregations, we have seen dozens of people saved and discipled and we have a newly renovated space in which we can all worship together. (at least for now)  It has not always been easy and we have endured some unexpected bumps in the road but because we have kept our eyes on Jesus we have been able to see God’s will unfold dramatically in our lives.  So it is natural to thank God for His leading and blessing during this day.  Things will continue to change but if we are willing to trust God while we continue to experience great things even if it cost us something…especially if it cost us something. 

On a personal note I want to tell you that not only am I thanking God for all the things I have talked about…I am also THANKFUL FOR YOU.  You the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene have inspired me this year.  You have adjusted to the changes this year wonderfully.  You have paid the price and are willing to continue to pay the price to achieve God’s will for the transformation of our community.  Thank you for being kingdom minded and I look forward to another year of challenges and victories with you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

So today as we move toward Thanksgiving give thanks to God for what you have come through so you and I can use it to move forward in faith this upcoming year.  Just a Thankful Thought.