Giving thanks always for all things

^"18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,
²⁰giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20 (NRSV)

I have wonderful memories of the family Thanksgiving feasts I enjoyed as a child. Our family would go to my grandparents' house and share Thanksgiving with my great-aunt, my uncle and aunt, and their daughters, some years we were lucky to have my aunt and her family from out of state. We always shared our family's standard table grace and then stuffed ourselves with the splendid feast provided by mothers, aunts, and Grandmother.

As a child, I loved Thanksgiving, but took for granted how blessed we truly were. Many years later, the Thanksgiving tradition I had as a child is just a memory of childhood. I married and then had to split Thanksgiving between my family and my husband's family. Grandparents passed away or went into nursing care. My own parents divorced, further fracturing the Thanksgiving tradition of childhood. My sisters have grown up which has meant years apart as they criss-crossed the world to pursue their educations and careers.

This year, I spent my Thanksgiving at work, working an odd 12-hour holiday shift from midnight until noon. I had hoped to attend a community Thanksgiving dinner, but after work my body craved sleep much more than turkey or community fellowship. I volunteered to work the holiday this year as my father and his wife were traveling out of state, and my mother was scheduled to work. I am also recently separated from my husband (and from much of our kitchenware, too). When holiday plans were being made, I didn't even have a kitchen table or chairs in my apartment, so hosting it was not possible. My teenage daughter had an invitation to join her boyfriend's family. My son spent the holiday with his father, although they had previously had his family's feast with extended family earlier.

I could have been tempted to pity myself this Thanksgiving, for ending up alone and not having a feast to share. I could have whined about working on a holiday, especially an extra long shift with weird hours and very boring.

But, this year, I truly had a Blessed Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving meant so much more to me, even without the rituals and traditions I normally have practiced. For me, every day is a day of thanksgiving. I have been reborn, I have been redeemed from sin and from the snares of death, and given a new life.

This year, alone for hours at work, I contemplated thanksgiving, spending time in deep prayer, and singing songs of praise to God.

My Thanksgiving:
My God, My Holy Father,
I praise your name above all.
In humility I bow before you with gratitude for the wondrous and amazing blessings which I have received this year, blessings for which I feel undeserving.
Your prodigal daughter is overflowing with gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for drawing me to a community of fellowship who have shared your love and acceptance with me and are living examples to me of discipleship and faithful stewardship.
Heavenly Father,
I am thankful to have experienced a new baptism,
knowing this desire for baptism was a mature decision as an adult,
a symbol of my spiritual growth and regeneration.
I am thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, my comforter and guide.
I am thankful for the forgiveness of my sins, redeemed by your son, Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for the Word, your holy scripture which has given me life.

When my soul went through its darkest night,
when my heart fainted and breathing ceased.
I was in the Valley of Death, but not alone.
Your Holy Spirit never left me.
I transcended life for just a few moments,
in which I experienced perfect love and peace,
returning me with absolute assurance that
nothing will ever separate me from your love.
I felt the joy of surrender,
knowing my life is always in your hands,
and I will accept your will for my life.
I will not fear death, nor will I fear life;
but trust in your purpose being unveiled.

Every day deserves thanksgiving.
Every day deserves to be enjoyed.
Every day is a day of grace.
For you are the Maker of all things, and all things you make are good.

Thank you for your Holy Spirit, and thank you for redeeming me.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.