Author: Beth Case

Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people. Let them offer
thanksgiving sacrifices and declare what God has done in songs of joy! Psalm 107:21-22 (CEB)

One of the most provocative questions that I have ever heard asked is, “What if you wake up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?” I suspect that for most of us, waking up to a world that included only what we had remembered to give thanks for would be a very rude awakening.

Years ago, I regularly shopped at a family-owned bakery. Whenever I picked up my order, there would always be an extra cookie and a handwritten note of thanks on the receipt. One day, I picked up my order and discovered that there was no extra cookie and no note. I was so disappointed and called the shop to make sure the family hadn’t sold the shop or that something wasn’t wrong. They assured me that all was well and said that since I had never acknowledged the cookie or note they assumed I didn’t care for them, so they stopped including them so as not to offend me.

What an eye-opener! They had been expressing their thanks for my business all along, but I had taken their generosity and thoughtfulness for granted and had not offered them my gratitude. In that small way, I really did wake up in a world where I only had what I had been thankful for, and it was very disappointing. The world needs a lot more gratitude, both given and received – it really does matter.

THANK YOU for you being great neighbors, colleagues, and friends. It is an honor and a joy to serve as your Chaplain. Have a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving! — Chaplain Laura