Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Sydney, Australia!  Instead of football on TV, we are in the second day of a cricket test between Australia and South Africa.  With my San Diego Chargers taking another season off from competitive, quality play, I will relish this two-ton effort from Clarke and a century from Hussey instead!  For those who are curious, yes, turkey is on the menu for tonight.  But I have to say, there are trappings, traditions, and people long associated with our Thanksgiving celebrations that we will miss.

I've celebrated Thanksgiving in Australia and Israel, but it's never the same as celebrating it in the States with family and friends.  The good thing is that no matter where we might live in the world, God is still completely worthy of worship, honour, and praise.  He never changes and remains worthy of all honour.  Thanksgiving is traditionally my "favourite" holiday, but it's not because of the food, companionship of family, or the fun activity of tossing the pigskin around.  From the very beginning, this holiday in particular is all about thanking God for life, provision, and blessings.  While we ought to be thankful and thank God everyday, it's good to have a day set aside for that purpose.

Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and eternal life provided through Him.  Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my soul and empower me for your service.  Thank you for the blessings of shelter, food, family, friends, clothing, and even so many things not necessary for life you graciously give us to enjoy.  You are awesome, God!  Be glorified now and forever!  As it is written in James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."  Holy, holy, holy is the One who was, is, and will ever be!