“Gee. Thanks.”

Uttered in half-hearted tones by the sulky teenager, after she opens the beautifully wrapped book. The gift undoubtedly doesn't appeal to her, and it is apparent she was hoping for something more- money perhaps.

Never mind, the time and energy that went into selecting the perfect book that would speak love and encouragement into her life — a book that could be life-changing if read and taken seriously.

Sadly, the book will probably never be opened and the gift never fully realized.

How does it make you feel when you give someone a gift that is not appreciated or at least is received with mediocre enthusiasm at its best?

Be honest… don't you immediately say to yourself- "That's fine- see if I give you anything again. Clearly, you don't appreciate the thoughtfulness.” Then you hesitate the next time you need to give this person a gift.

How many times are we like the sulky teenager when we receive gifts from God? Whispering half-hearted “thanks” or maybe never fully recognizing the magnitude of the gift at all?

God's generosity continually pours over us. But, most days we walk around wholly oblivious and truthfully ungrateful.

I wonder could God ever respond to our ingratitude as we would? Would He ever say- “That’s fine- see if I give you something this grand again?”

Boy, I sure hope not!

That's what is so fantastic about God. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ~ Isaiah 55:89

THANK GOODNESS!!

It sure would be a sad day for all of us if God's generosity were dependent on our appreciation. Nothing in all of creation can separate us from His love, including our selfish, entitled attitudes!

So, in honor of Thanksgiving, let’s all stop for a moment and give thanks to the God who makes life possible.

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

Let’s remember- God doesn’t have to be so generous to us.

Therefore, we should give thanks DAILY for ALL His beautifully wrapped gifts that are provided so liberally!

Father, thank you for your generosity. All good things come from you and because of your great love we partake of blessings that are unrequested and often undeserved. We ask for your forgiveness for all the times that we don’t recognize your thoughtfulness. Thank you for all you do and all that you give. Great is your faithfulness.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;for his steadfast love endures forever!” ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34