Monday, November 14, 2011

Finding Thankfulness

By Rick Woodall
  
   Traveling down through the South over Thanksgiving made reality set in. Hundreds of trucks pulling FEMA trailers were on the road for destinations of the homeless. We had the opportunity to listen to reports on the continued work to provide needed supplies and housing to the thousands who were misplaced after the hurricanes. It truly set in motion a different attitude toward the cheerful season.  The sermons and talks that I heard did not hide the sadness that exists through the loss of lives, homes and personal belongings. Yet, people were not left hung out to dry.
   The main focus of the season was in the message that one can be thankful through hard times. My gift reminds me we can experience great revival in troubled times through hearts filled with thanksgiving.
   “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.  This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the LORD hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.”  –Psalm 69:30 34
   In the emptiness of all the stories of tragedy there is a  detailed description of people who are starting over. Total strangers came to the rescue of many of the misplaced. This companionship directed new beginnings.
   So at church services in the heart of all this turmoil the Lord was praised by thankful hearts filled with renewal.  When God’s people pull together something good is going to always prevail.
   So, thanksgiving was celebrated in a different light this year. Grieving, troubled, injured and depressed people found hope in hearts filled with thanks.
   For all those surrounded by good friends, relatives and prosperity, survey your piece of good fortune.  Many this Thanksgiving must find another way to be thankful.
   Have a great week.
  
- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Yorktown Road church of Christ in Logansport Indiana. His weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be found through this address:  http://mysite.verizon.net/yorktownroadchurchofchrist/


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