What Are You Thankful For?
November 30, 2002

Hmm.. I was just thinking about everything that I am thankful for. You know how everyone says such typical things like, "We're so thankful that we have a house" or "We're so thankful that we have such nice clothes/car(s)/STUFF". "We're so blessed." Yes, they are things to be thankful for, but in the big picture, it doesn't really matter about those type of things. And during this time of Thanksgiving, people stop and look at the stuff that they have. They become truly thankful for the things they have. But even still most of these things are still things that don't matter the most. Do you know what I am especially thankful for? I am thankful for my eyesight. Have you really looked at the world today? Have you looked at the way the afternoon sun turns the leaves to gold? (Perhaps if King Midas had stopped and looked at the world, he wouldn't have gotten into the mess he got into. There is plenty of gold that God shows to the ones who look for it.) Have you watched the sky change colors in the evening? Well, I have, and it's awe inspiring. Wow. You need to. Perhaps I am so thankful for my eyeisght because I have contacts. But just think- If we didn't have the ability to see, we wouldn't see any of this earth God has given us. And how people just walk through the day not noticing... We're thankful for this, we're thankful for that. I don't care about "that". You can have all of "that" you want. Give me God and set me down on the top of Mt. Everest to watch the sunset. I have pity for the ants-- to never see what God has made for them like we can. It's sad though because we don't really appreciate it. I bet if ants could see they would be truly thankful.

On a sidenote-- This is an excerpt of something I've already written. It doesn't totally fit here, but I was thinking about it when the eyesight thing came up, and I think it needs to be said: "When I take out my contacts, everything becomes a blur, each shape molding into a mass of color. However, when I put them back in, I see the lines on each leaf and the pupils of each individual's eye. I find it ironic that the non-glasses people have picked on people with glasses in the past and still do. Most of the people with glasses have learned the value of sight, which may be harder for the non-glasses people to obtain. And even some people with glasses might not value the gift that they have and the ability to appreciate it. Instead, they will succumb to the harassment of others. I wish everyone had to wear glasses, at some point, for two reasons. First of all, they would see each other without seeing the neatly combed hair, the type of clothes, or their facial complexions. Then, they might be surprised at why they liked certain people and despised others. Secondly, they would appreciate the value and the gift given to them, as well as their time in this life. They would live truly having Sight".

Getting back to the thankful theme--On the way home from spending Thanksgiving with my relatives, I noticed a lot of roadkill on the side of the road. Now, normally, I don't think twice about roadkill (who does??), but it really reminded me how easily our life could end. I was reminded by how thankful I am for a CHANCE at a life here on earth, and that I want to make it the best I can. I want to do something with the limited time I have. Don't you? Would you be willing/ready to die tomorrow? What would happen if a fire or a tornado burned down your house and all of your possessions? Would you still be thankful? I hope so.

Yes, I am very thankful for what I have, and even sometimes what I have (in terms of material possessions) angers me. I wish I could give it all away (save for a few things with sentimental value). However, the flip side to this is if I had had less than I have now would I instead yearn for more material things? I'm not sure. I'm hoping that isn't true. And one of the most important things I'm also thankful for is friends. They improve the quality of life- greatly. Without them it would be hard to be happy. I am truly thankful for all of my friends. They are the ones who, when your house burned down and all of your possessions with it, would share their's with you. And so I say to you, find what's truly important in your life and be thankful for that. Do not worry about earthly things that life can take away. Find things out of this world to be thankful for- Like God's eternal love for us.

Love,
Lemme