Scripture provides an historical narrative of the Twelve, and the Apostle Paul, after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. It relates the expansion of the church amid persecution and opposition.
After a long journey, sharing the gospel, Paul returns to Jerusalem. The leaders in Jerusalem convince him to complete a Jewish ceremony, to demonstrate to his Jewish countrymen, that he honors the Law, and the ways of his Jewish ancestors. While doing this, some Jews see him, and start a riot, because of his involvement with the gentiles.
The Romans arrest him. This starts a series of trials before Roman authorities. Paul remains in prison for several years. And finally, they put him on a boat for a trial before Caesar.
While sailing to Rome, they get caught in an especially violent storm. The crew throw cargo and gear overboard in an attempt to keep them afloat. No one is eating or sleeping.
In the middle of all this, Paul tells everyone, that his God revealed to him that he would make it to Rome, the boat would be destroyed, but that everyone with him -- crew, captain, Roman soldiers, and other prisoners -- would survive. He encourages them to eat to maintain their strength. Then, in front of everyone, he gives thanks.
A lot of bad stuff had happened to Paul, but he take time to recognize, and appreciate, all the good that God did, and planned to do.
Over the last year, I have been reminded a number of times of the power of giving thanks. I do not negate reality. I do not overlook bad things. I do not romanticize life. But I do recognize that God is still active in the world. God still pursues people in love. God still has power, and authority, to extract good out of calamity. As a matter of fact, he promises that he would do just that.
God commands us to give thanks in every situation. That doesn't mean for every situation. Does God want us to thank him for a pandemic that has disrupted every facet of life, put thousand in the hospital, and killed thousands more? I don't think so.
I do think God wants us to develop a mind set, an attitude, and a perspective of thankfulness. To be alert to see, and recognize, the good happening all around us.
God's word is going out. People are being saved, and baptized, in downtown Minneapolis, and on the beaches of California. God's word is being proclaimed in Africa, Asia, and everywhere else, with positive effect. As a grandfather, I am witnessing the growth, and development of my grandchildren. There are still sunny days, and rainbows. There are still board games with friends. (Maybe people sit a little further apart, but they are still playing.)
I do not want to minimize any tragedy people experience. I grieve for lost jobs, and businesses, accidents, and injustices. But locking onto those things breeds discouragement, and saps the strength to pursue God's invitation to life.
I am encouraging us to begin peeking through the cracks, to see and embrace the good that God still gives birth to, in this world. Thanksgiving is a response of faith, receiving what God gives, agreeing with his work, and walking into his life, with joy and peace in our hearts.
