In a little fellowship of Christians in Greenwood, Virginia, a speaker made a statement in the middle of a session more than 30 years ago that was memorable, “It’s always appropriate to give thanks.” I never forgot it. I repeat it often. When the winds blow and the storm rages, we can give thanks. When human drama shows its worst moments, one can choose to give thanks. When blessings abound, it’s appropriate to give thanks. It can be done alone or with people. It can be the worst of days or the best of them. Thanks, in a biblical sense, is intimately related to the position of our heart relative to our Creator.
Whether it’s the day of a marriage for a new couple, walking through the rubble left by Hurricane Katrina, sharing about the created heavens with a group of Haitians, or waiting for a medical test results in the emergency room, which we did last night, thanks is appropriate, because of His abounding mercy and lovingkindness toward us.
Teaching practical astronomy from a biblical view requires many elements. One is practical demonstration. In this image we were demonstrating apparent sky rotation around the earth.
He has enduring love that is stretched, in a sense, to allow anyone over time to reach for him and lift their heart with thanksgiving, regardless of their circumstances. Some scenes from US history just a few decades ago demonstrated the same thing.
Thanksgiving in the United States is one more reminder for the value of giving thanks. But, when it’s from the heart to the One Who made us and sustains the universe, it reaches far beyond a holiday.
Roland with Linda….at home this morning watching a parade…but thinking of our friends nearby or from places far away…while remaining thankful…thankful…ever so thankful…
Timely reminder. Thank you!