It’s hard to believe that it’s the holiday season again. As many of us sit down to a delicious, bountiful meal on Thanksgiving, no doubt we will be mindful of how God has blessed us in so many ways.
As children of God we are to stop and thank God and then pass on those blessings to others. We are to be forgiving and generous in our thoughts and actions. God gave us the ultimate example of a truly forgiving and generous heart by sending Jesus to die for us so that we could be reconciled to him.
Washing the dishes is my son’s daily contribution to our family’s “household maintenance.” Unfortunately, like many busy teenagers, he sometimes forgets to do the job or lets other activities (like checking email or watching television) get in the way of upholding his responsibility. That means we have to jog his memory a bit get him to do this chore.
We all need reminders at times. God made it very simple for us to know His thoughts and desires. He gave us the Bible! He guides us lovingly with some much needed reminders. He repeats words and phrases throughout Scripture to help us remember the things we are prone to forget. I’ve yet to find a passage in the Bible that I can share with my son, saying, “Do the dishes,” but there are two phrases that are repeated many times in Scripture have gotten my attention lately. Here they are: “Give thanks to the Lord.” and “Love one another”
I started thinking, why does God need to remind me to give thanks and love one another? Reflecting on our family’s daily dish washing scenario made me realize: it is because we often forget!
For a good reminder read Matthew 25: 35-40- “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
People will bring thanksgiving and praise to God as a result of our obedience. I hope that all of us will take a new look at the opportunities we have to bless people each day. Whether it is comforting, sharing, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the elderly, the list could go on and on. We have been given a great privilege and honor to become conduits of God’s blessing and provision to people in need. If we cheerfully embrace these opportunities to give in the name of Jesus, they will see Him in us.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Donna Hutchman
Donna coordinates the women’s ministry program at Salmo Baptist Church in Salmo British Columbia where her husband serves as Pastor. You can visit Donna’s blog at http://donnakh.wordpress.com/
