Thanksgiving Blessings

I am truly blessed to overflowing this Thanksgiving 2011. I am not "rich" by worldly, western standards. But I realize that I do have so much more than most people in the world do. Just the basics that we (I) often take for granted are blessings that are not enjoyed by many others who inhabit planet Earth:

-A roof over my head
-Heat
-Air Conditioning
-A clean bed to sleep in
-A pillow to rest my head on
-Warm blankets
-More clothes than can fit my dresser drawers and closets
-A great many pairs of shoes
-A job
-Clean, running water
-Indoor plumbing
-Washer/Dryer
-Refrigerator
-Oven
-Reliable transportation
-Cabinets full of food
-Freedom of speech
-Freedom to worship without fear of persecution or imprisonment or worse
-A close-knit family

Indeed, this is only the tip of the iceberg. God has so abundantly blessed me and my family. I often wonder why He chooses to allow some to live so richly and others in poverty. But God's ways are not our ways. Jesus had a special place in his heart for the poor, and he admonished His followers to help those in need.

Growing up, I was one of six children. We didn't have a lot. I do remember those kind souls who secretly bought us kids Christmas gifts or brought food to us on occasion. It lifted my spirit, even as a little one. I enjoy doing for others when I am able to. Jesus sees even when we offer up a cup of cold water to someone who needs it.

I praise the LORD today for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon me. I ask for forgiveness when I take those blessings for granted. And I ask that He allow me to be a blessing to someone else this holiday season.

Psalm 107:1 - Oh give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.

Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. - Edward Sandford Martin