Thoughts on Thanksgiving
November 22, 2011
This week millions of people all around the world will officially mark the observance of Thanksgiving Day, although it is perfectly acceptable to feel thankful at any time during the year. One of the good things about holidays like Thanksgiving Day is they provide specific motivation to pause, reflect and remember things – and people – for which we are grateful.
Typically, material things come to mind when we think in terms of blessings: our homes, food, clothing, income, jobs, good health. But have you ever considered directing your thanks toward those people that have made a positive impact on your life?
When I think of such individuals, I realize my list is fairly long. It includes: my parents; an uncle who was like a father figure to me, particularly during my teenage and college years; a number of teachers and missionaries, especially several that guided me in making key career decisions. Then there are the men who took the risk in hiring me to serve as mission accountant at Kafulafuta Baptist, launching the call from counting money to counting souls- Accountant to being an Evangelist.
There also were those that hired me to join the GCMS staff, which proved a blessing both professionally and spiritually. My work at GCMS enabled me to fulfill my goals for teaching in the bible college, learn sign language and visiting churches , and also introduced me to the life-changing process of helping mission groups from USA who came to the Kafulafuta Baptist mission in Masaiti Zambia and mentoring other bible students on an individual basis.
Through my 5 years as a member of the GCMS team, I was able to attend bible conferences where I could learn from other pastors and evangelists. In addition, I became friends with dozens of people I grew to admire for their dedication to their work – and serving God at the same time. They demonstrated how to successfully integrate faith and vocation, proving that Christianity and workplace concerns are not mutually exclusive, and can be effectively addressed without compromise.
Who are the people you are especially thankful for – those individuals who have left an indelible imprint on your life, helping to shape you into the person you are today?
Here are a few other suggestions the Bible offers regarding thanksgiving:
Be thankful for EVERYTHING. Often our expressions of thankfulness focus only on “good things” – things that make us happy. But the challenges of life, the adversities we encounter that contribute to our personal and professional growth, also are valuable and deserve appreciation. “Be joyful always…give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
No limits to thanksgiving. Those whose faith is in Jesus Christ can entrust him with every aspect of our lives. There is no need to fear the future, confident that God will provide for our needs and guide us in confronting whatever problems and needs we encounter. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Know the right one to thank. When expressing thanksgiving, some people credit good fortune or “luck,” fate or coincidence. The Bible teaches God guides our steps and is worthy of our thanks and praise. “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:2).
Evangelist Leonard Chisanga Bwalya, Founder/ Executive Director, Africa Encounter Revival Ministries Zambia. For more information see: lcbrose@gmail.com or encounterzambia.africa@gmail.com