Here we are, Thanksgiving weekend. The Colossian church in the Bible could have used one. They were torn up with debates and doubts, yet God told them to “overflow with gratitude” (2:7). It’s easy to find things to complain about. It’s too hot, too cold, I’m too young, too old, too cloudy, too sunny, too serious, too funny, too much rain, but no! Soon it will snow! Can’t we find things for which we are thankful? I sat down and started a list. I ran out of time at 20 things:

• For God who loves us
• For Jesus who died for us
• Good congregations that encourage us
• For trials that challenge us
• Elders who guide us
• Kids and grandkids who smile at us
• Neighbours who greet us
• An economy that employs us
• An election that empowers us
• Free health care that looks after us

• A magnificent world to interest us
• Pets that sit on us
• Homes that comfort us
• Fall colours that amaze us
• Food that fills us
• Friends who care about us
• Christ’s work that engages us
• The Bible which straightens us
• Our country which protects us
• Clean water that quenches us

Now, make a list of your own. And be thankful.

– Tim Johnson