Giving Thanks for the Simple Things

     This is a busy week for most of us as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Cleaning, shopping and food preparation is on everyone's mind, and some have already begun their trip to the home where their celebration will be held.  With all this busy activity, we often lose the meaning behind the day we set aside to remember.  For the Pilgrim's and native Americans, it was a time to be thankful for the bountiful harvest God had given as well as the Lord's protection.  We often forget that for these first settlers there was no grocery store nearby in case someone forgot an ingredient nor was there an urgent care around the corner if someone was injured.  Life was very precious back then and nothing was taken for granted.  Unfortunately, today, we often fail to thank God for even the simplest of blessings.
     As I read "The Valley of Vision" today (a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions), I came across a prayer entitled "Evening Praise" (pg. 224-225).  It speaks of the simple things which God provides and we often don't even think to thank Him for.
     " Giver of All,
           Another day is ended, and I take my place beneath my great Redeemer's cross,
      where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound,
      where I wash anew in all the cleansing blood, assured that thou sees in me no spots of sin.
      Yet a little while and I shall go to thy home and be no more seen;  Help me to gird

up the loins of
       my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy,
       my death glory.  I thank thee for the temporal blessings of this world - the refreshing air,
       the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that
       shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers'
       sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
      Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort, My cup runs over.  Suffer me not to be
       insensible to these daily mercies.  Thy hand bestows blessings: they power averts evil.  I bring
       tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of thy
       Spirit, the strength of thy restraining will, thy spiking of hell's artillery,
       Blessed be my sovereign Lord!"

     Reading these words made me feel ashamed that so often I do not stop to thank God as this pilgrim did for the simple blessings that God so freely gives to His children every day.  There is never a moment or even a breath that we take but what the Lord is not there with us.  We may not see it or feel it, but His Word tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  What joy should fill our heart that we are so carefully kept day to day.
     As we approach Thanksgiving, think on this prayer and make a list of all the things God has blessed you with personally or as a family.  We must focus on the many things we have as a result of God's goodness and not on the things we lack.  He meets all our needs according to His riches in glory.  May we make thanksgiving to God a daily practice as we go forward and not just a once a year occasion.  Having a thankful heart changes the way we see life and our relationship to our Savior.  Selah!