One stroll through such retailers as Target, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, etc., and you might be left with the impression that we went straight from Halloween to Christmas! Tucked over in a corner, like it was an afterthought, are the remains of fall decorations already clearance priced. What happened to Thanksgiving? Did someone misplace it? Did the Grinch steal it, too?
Aww, never fear! Thanksgiving is always here!
Thanksgiving is every day. In the words of Pastor Rick Johnson, “Soak your soul” in the following living words of God:
Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18- Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Hebrews 13:15 – Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.
This morning, as I have done in past years, I am daily logging a “note of thanks” in my journal. A focus on gratitude redirects our selfish hearts to hearts warmed by the goodness of God seen all around us, even in the hard times.
How about joining me this month? Start a thanksgiving journal. Communicate each day with others your note of thanks. When asked, “How ya doin’?”— share your thanksgiving note!
Don’t let thanksgiving be on the clearance aisle. Put it up front for all to see and hear!
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100)
From A Pastor's Heart 
This is excellent! I was just noticing that very thing in our grocery store today — I bought a gorgeous Thanksgiving-type platter for $1.50 because it was in with the Halloween clearance! And in Walmart the Christmas merchandise is appearing.