Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

-- Psalm 118:1


An old pastor and his wife invited a new young couple in the church over for Thanksgiving dinner. As the couple entered the home, they smelled the wonderful turkey and all the trimmings in the kitchen. As the four made their way to the dining room table, there was a great feast before them!


But as the young wife scanned the table, she noticed something out of place. Among the turkey, dressing, casseroles, and pies were three Chinese takeout cartons and a plate of egg rolls!

“I know what you’re thinking,” the old pastor said. “Why is there Chinese takeout on the table?”

“You see,” he continued, “23 years ago on Thanksgiving Day, my dear wife burned the turkey and started a fire in our kitchen! In fact, our entire kitchen nearly caught fire and the whole Thanksgiving meal was charred black!”

“So after the fire department left,” he chuckled, “we ordered Chinese takeout and that was our Thanksgiving meal! And every year since, we’ve had Chinese takeout as a part of our meal to remind us to be thankful for what we have!”

This year, I hope Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday for you. It should be a way of life for every Christian. We serve a wonderful God who sent his Son to die for you. So as you reflect on what you are thankful for this year, remember God’s blessings in your life!

GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HOW HE HAS BLESSED YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND ESPECIALLY FOR SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR YOU!