Oh Give Thanks, Part I

And this was just the first courseLast night we went to the first Thanksgiving feast of the season, at the home of our university president. For the blessing, he had us speak up as we wished, naming a blessing, and then the rest of us chorused, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good." I loved it.

Deborah Norville has written a book, Thank You Power. I'm listening to it right now on my iPod on the days I walk to work. She looks into all the recent research that is out there, showing that gratefulness really makes a positive difference in our lives. I have found it apropos especially now, as I have friends fighting cancer, have lost friends and acquaintances (that's plural) to death in the past month, and am facing challenges at work that feel like externals are on the offensive against us. Nevertheless, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

Try it this season. It might look like this:

My family is safe and warm.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I have been one of the privileged few to get a college education.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I have known the sweetness of love.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I can taste food.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I woke up to sunshine this morning.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

My children are a joy in my life.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I can have a warm shower whenever I wish.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

My church community is a support in my life.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

The Word of God is a comfort and a challenge.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

I have read a good book in the last year... in fact, I can read!
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

Music has filled my soul and lifted it up.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."

We have this hope.
"Oh give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good."