Dear Faith Family, 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!  Call upon His Name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!, (1 Chronicles 16:8). 

Go ahead.  Read the rest of David’s psalm in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36.  The very presence of God in His tabernacle was the occasion for his thanksgiving.  Presence.  What a great concept!  One we may often take for granted. 

On Friday morning my wife and I traveled 600 miles to be present with our son, our daughter-in-law, and our three grandchildren.  We got to be present with them!  Gathered around the table with them.  Rumbled on the floor with a two-year-old and his new football.  Made turkeys out of Oreo cookies and candy corn with grandbabies.  Played at more than one park with little happy feet. 

Together.  We got to be present.  Wouldn’t trade it for the world.  Together we gave thanks each day.  I was thankful for safety in travel.  I was thankful for a mostly clear journey (except for I-20 in Atlanta).  I was thankful for Chick-fil-a.  But what about that hold up in Atlanta.  Was I thankful for stop and go traffic?  Can’t say that thanksgiving was first on my mind.  But what if God is more interested in developing the fruit of His Spirit (you know – patience – there I said it) in my life (and yours) than an earlier arrival time? 

Do we trust God enough to give thanks for that not so comfortable “stuff” in our lives, knowing that He is actually present in the moment?  Ok.  Here’s your assignment.  Gather around the table with God and give thanks.  Give thanks for His presence.  He’s here you know.  Don’t just thank Him for the turkey and dressing and pink eye purple hull peas and asparagus and (oh, let’s just go on to the good stuff) the whipped cream with a little bit of pecan or pumpkin pie underneath!  Thank Him for His relentless presence as He works (not from a distance) to develop the character of His Son in us! 

I’d drive 600 more miles for another Jesse, Joanna, Della, Harvey, or Leanora hug!  How will we celebrate the presence of our God who promised that He would be with us (Matthew 28:20) and that He would never (Wow!  Really?  Really!) leave us (Hebrews 13:5).   

Thanks giving, 
Pastor Karl