A season

Here in Minnesota we definitely have four seasons. I know we joke a lot about having two seasons; winter and construction. But, beloved make no mistake we experience all four seasons…sometimes in one week. ha-ha. Right now it is late Fall. The leaves have turned and many have fallen. The skies have turned grey and there is a particular nip in the air. I know many people that really enjoy Fall. They enjoy the crisper air, the colors, the hunting and so forth. It is quite enjoyable. And there are many winter enthusiasts with all the outdoor snow fun available. These are of course attended by significant breaks for lots of hot chocolate. Spring is always heralded by many because of the length of winter in these parts. The birds that chirp, the sunrises earlier, the vegetation comes back to life. It is finally seed time. Summer is usually short but we pack a lot in during that brief time. From lake life to family travel and gardening there is usually something for everyone to enjoy. Truth be told I am a summer guy. I like the 103 degree in the shade with about a 98% humidity. Yessir, that’s a good day for me. Not too many of us that like that though…so I will move on to my second favorite time of year.

It isn’t actually a season but it is happening right now. I don’t much like the graying of the skies nor the nip in the air. Trees without leaves seem somehow sad to me. Like guardians at their posts waiting for a better day. Strong and silent. I respect them as they wait. But it is time for Thanksgiving. Time to remember and be thankful. Time to reflect and respond with thanksgiving. I really enjoy this time of year. The flavors of the food. The smell of the candles and the baking. The crackle of fire and the smell of oak in the fireplace.

Thanksgiving. David Pao writes, “In the context of worship, one affirms God to be Lord of all. When giving thanks, God the creator of all is acknowledged to be the source of all goodness. Thanksgiving thus understood belongs properly to theological affirmation as well as ethical concern.” Pao, David. (2002). Thanksgiving: an investigation of a Pauline theme. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois. pg. 33.

The idea is that thanksgiving is God-centered not a social convention guided by being polite. It is far more meaningful than keeping a balance in relationship between giver and receiver. When we give thanks to God; when we remember His provision or faithfulness; when we ascribe to Him the glory due His name for protection; when we celebrate with thanksgiving in our hearts to the only One worthy of it; the giving of thanks takes upon a weight and an importance that transforms and transcends. Personally when I direct my giving of thanks towards God and when it is God centered the appreciation that I have for the people whom God uses in those circumstances or the items that my attention is directed towards take on a much greater quality of personal meaning. They are valued beyond their mere existence. Let me try and give an example.

My birthday is soon. My sister sent me a package. It is a medium sized package and she gave instruction that I should wait until my birthday and that I should share. In the normal course of being thankful for this present I think about what is in there that I will enjoy and will share. Most likely it’s chocolate. It wont go bad in the short period of time that it is on the table and my sister lives about half a mile from Valvo’s chocolate store. My guess is sponge candy. As a family we like sponge candy. And I am thankful for the gift in the conventional everyday way. I get something out of that present. Thanksgiving in this case is not God centered. It brings balance to my relationship with my sister. She gifted and I say thank you. We are in balance.

Same scenario. Box on my table. This time, however, I direct my thankfulness to God and I recognize the blessing of His in gifting me through His daughter, my sister. His grace is overflowing to those I will share with…or at least I have the opportunity to be used of Him in sharing to spread His grace. My sister has demonstrated to me her love for me as a sibling but also as a member of the body of Christ by taking the time to shop, purchase, package and mail a gift. God has so moved in her to steward her time in this manner. He has worked in her life. In all of this I am mindful that God is loving me.

I hope that helps make the point. In conclusion, I really enjoy this time of year. I sit with my list of thankful things and I meet with God and direct my thanksgiving toward Him. A God centered thanksgiving is a blessing and well worth the time and effort.