It’s been a hard year. Hard to find things for which we’re thankful. Yet here we are— at Thanksgiving 2021.
In our lives, we’ve both had covid, I have cancer, race relations and government conflagration have never been in such a rage, and our economy isn’t anything to rave about. Except negatively.
So…, how can anyone be thankful? Here are some of my reflections.
· Our world is not engaged in any full-scale wars. Praise God!
· Climate change is finally being addressed (somewhat).
· The natural beauty of this world still amazes us. [although some snow might be nice.]
· COVID19 is not devastating the world as the FLU did in 1918-1919.
· God still surprises us with His unexpected miracles.
· The US economy is still resilient.
· Starr & I are mostly healthy. Although afternoon fatigue afflicts both of us.
· Ministry continues to glorify Christ, with some modification.
· My 14-year-old Volvo is running in top-notch shape.
Still, life has gotten a tad strange, hasn’t it? I do not believe we can define the new-normal quite yet. But the old normal is indeed gone.
So here is my challenge to all of us. We are the ones to define the new normal under the principles that Jesus Christ has given us. Honor God, honor people, make a difference. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” [~James 1:27 ESV] “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” [Colossians 3:17 ESV]
Are these things hard to do in times such as these? Yes! Remember the conversation between Frodo and Gandalf in Lord of the rings? “I wish it need not have happened in my time, said Frodo. So do I, said Gandalf, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time given us.”
We all live within the strictures of our times. May we, who hold the name of Jesus dear, rise above the fray and chaos, and offer thanks to God for all He has given us. So, instead of no thanks…—
Happy Thanksgiving!
Loving God, loving people…, & bringing the two together
Gary
Dr. Gary Davis, President
NEXT— Being Christian at Christmas
Clueless Christianity 