CHICAGO, IL (November 22, 2007) – One of the unfortunate aspects of the commercialization of the Thanksgiving holiday is that the very essence of the day – a time to offer genuine thanks for what we have – has been overshadowed by slick marketing campaigns seeking to convince us that we are lacking somehow and need even more.
In the midst of thinking about a Thanksgiving message, I was confronted by the tragic death of Covenant Pastor Jerry Mosby. In the course of writing the story of his death, a colleague reminded me of the weeklong meditations that appear in the current issue of Covenant Home Altar. Jerry penned those devotionals shortly before his death.
Jerry bares a little of his soul with readers as he talks about his diabetes and the amputation of his leg in February. He talks about the anger and sense of frustration he experienced – even thoughts of leaving the ministry to which he had dedicated his entire life. I have to believe that for Jerry, the slick marketing campaigns held little if any interest. His meditations remind us of the importance of focusing on the now, to embrace and celebrate God’s creation, his goodness, and his provision in our lives.
Listen carefully to some of the things Jerry found worthy of praise and thanksgiving:
• Each Sunday morning at ten the organ begins to play, “I’ve Got the Victory, Praise the Lord.” There are times when this song and processional of meditation is sung for fifteen to twenty minutes. When we enter into his sanctuary, it is good to give praise to God. In good times and bad times, he is worthy of the praise. The Lord our God will build our strength in the celebration of thanksgiving.
• I often wonder how God can count all the stars and the hairs on our heads, and call each of us by name. Who would not praise the name of such a loving God?
• Each morning I am awakened by the chirping of the birds. Blue jays, cardinals, and even the sparrows wake me up to a new and bright day, another day to give thanks to God. I praise the Lord that I can open my eyes and see his goodness in the birds and beasts. If God watches over them, he is certainly watching over me.
• I have found that I can no longer lie back and feel comfortable with just a morning prayer or a few scattering remarks about the goodness of God. Every time I think about his goodness and my unrighteousness, I ask him to give me more understanding of his love for the needy.
• I remember when I was young I had one pair of shoes, and one suit for going to Sunday school and church. We were not hungry, but we did eat leftovers from the white people’s table, since my grandmother was a servant. I can also remember when we would cut our feet from walking because we had no shoes. We could not afford any antiseptic or bandages, but God provided that the dog would lick our sores and they would heal. We never got an infection. I am reminded that God has always been on side of those who suffer and on the side of those who need healing.
• Today I am in therapy learning how to walk with my prosthetic leg and also to lean on God. I have been blessed by so many of my colleagues in the ministry. I have been in church every Sunday, not always preaching, but lifting my hands high, and my mouth filled with praise, and a heart of thanksgiving. I have never felt closer to God.
Whether we celebrate quietly or we join with family and friends for this time of thanksgiving, let us be reminded of words that Jerry left to us, forming a benediction that helps put this day into a proper perspective:
“From this day forward I will rejoice and be glad, and thank the Lord with every bone in my body, with every breath I take, because today may be the last day of the rest of my life, and I am in need of his blessings.”
