Abundance

We have so much for which to be thankful. Oftentimes we may feel guilty about the abundance with which we are blessed here in this land that we may have been allowed to live in through accident of birth or decisions of our forebears. We are reluctant to voice our thankfulness for these blessings lest we be seen to be like the Pharisee who thanks God that he is not like "others" less fortunate. We do not wish to be seen as some sort of American Exceptionalist - that we are being 'thankful' for being one of God's 'chosen.' But this reticence can lead to failing to give proper thanks and praise where due. I think it is right and good to give thanks and praise for what we are given even if we may lose it in a moment - even if we later find we must spend our life's blood in a dry dusty land far away, or that our homes and land become confiscated because we lose jobs or health, or depression or other economic disaster strikes. Let us be thankful for the day at hand and the beauty and fruitfulness we have now, and let us be thankful and give praise for having had it even when it is taken away.

In my little corner of this country, the land is extremely fruitful, the rain falls well, the trees grow, and there are few dangerous reptiles, insects, or animals. The seasons are there, but not usually severe.

We cannot know whether tomorrow the barns will burn down or the Master come to require our souls, but at least for today I will say thank You and Glory to Thee for that over which we have been given stewardship.