November
Thanksgiving - - Thanks-living
General Superintendent
Max Edwards
25, 2025
The Thanksgiving holiday is around the corner, and Judy and I wish you a warm and wonderful holiday!
I am reminded today of the words of the great Apostle Paul, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) But someone might ask, “Why is it important to be thankful?” Paul’s answer to that question can be found in his letter to the church in Rome: “… Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ”
It seems to me that there is a pandemic of darkened hearts all around us, at least in this country. So many folks are living darkened lives, dimmed by clouds of despair and feelings of dissatisfaction, often fueled by unmet wish lists and a desire for more pleasures, more ease, and more stuff.
Is there a medicine for this sickness of self-centeredness? There is. It involves making a list, but not a wish-list of things we hope to have. It is in the composition of a list of our God-given blessings. In the latter days of the 19th century or about 130 years ago, a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church named Johnson Oatman wrote these words that I’m sure appear in all of our church hymnals:
“When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done, Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
“Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by. Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done, Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
Sure, we will face storms of discouragement! What to do? List the good things that God has done. Of course, we sometimes feel overwhelmed by cares! What then? Create a chronicle of God’s blessings.
As simple as it sounds, it would be a great exercise this holiday to “name them one by one.” Take some time in your day on Thursday to name them! If you are alone, journal a list of blessings. If you are a couple, take five minutes and be verbally thankful for a couple dozen things you’re both thankful for. If you are gathering as a family or group, go ‘round the room, taking the time to pursue an attitude of gratitude as everyone offers appreciation for good things. “Let’s count our many blessings.” Happy Thanksgiving!