I shouldn’t have done it. I shouldn’t have bought a Christmas wreath this early. Now all I want to do is decorate. But I refuse. I will not neglect Thanksgiving. Although I am filled with gratitude, it won’t take long to express it. I promise. I’m only thankful for three things.

First of all, I’m thankful for the past. My sister Kay and I had a pact. We agreed to be thankful for the blessings of the good days, appreciate the growth resulting from the bad, and forever be grateful for God’s ability to weave them all together for our good.

Next, I’m thankful for the present – the gift of today. I only have this moment, so I’m going to squeeze all the life I can out of every minute. I want to live in such a way that the people in my life are confident of my love. Before most of them even open their eyes in the morning, I have already brought their names to God in prayer. This gives me little time to weep over the past or worry about the future.

And speaking of the future brings me to my third area of thankfulness. I am so grateful for the days to come. They are all in God’s hands, and I trust Him. I commit the unknown future to the well-known God, Who said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As the days are revealed, He will provide the wisdom and grace to live each one to the fullest. I am sure of it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

 Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.

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