Thanksgiving 2006

This is my third Thanksgiving in Berlin. This holiday doesn't hold so much excitement for me anymore because I no longer get to spend it with family. I think, living in America, that we become convinced that God Himself recognizes Thanksgiving as a special day; but surely He doesn't. You realize pretty quick, if you attempt to celebrate it outside of the US of A that without football, it's actually a pretty lame day. We can get turkey here in Germany, but I really don't enjoy turkey, so for me it's a day to get together with a handful of Americans to fellowship - which I do often anyway.

Am I complaining? Absolutely not, and I'll tell you why. Thanksgiving Day has become less special for me, but giving thanks most definitely has not. Why? Because it is the will of God for me in Christ Jesus! "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It's not so hard to figure out the will of God - the hard part is doing it. I can't think of very many people who are always joyful, always praying and always thankful. (If you want to find people like that, go where people are suffering and being persecuted for the Gospel. Ironic, isn't it?)

So what am I thankful for today as I look forward to a day without family or football? (By the way, I don't watch football per se, but no football means I'm not with the men that I love.)

I am thankful that 23 years ago yesterday, God saved my soul.
I am thankful that I have the privilege of, in turn, serving Him with the rest of my life. There is NOTHING else I'd rather do and I pray to God I never stray from that conviction.
I'm thankful that even though I am not with them, my family is happy (watching football) and healthy.
I'm thankful that my grandma did not have to endure lung surgery this month.
I'm thankful to have friends from home with me today.
I'm thankful that even though I have few friends my age here, God has allowed me to serve as a foreign missionary in a day in age where I can call people for 1 cent a minute and contact people instantly through a computer. Amy Carmichael served God in India as a single missionary for 56 years without one furlough (or e-mail)!
Following that thought, I'm thankful that I get to go home for Christmas. I'm thankful for ALL the times I've gotten to go home in the last 3 years, and thankful for all the times yet to come.
I'm thankful that in a few weeks I get to hold my niece.
I'm thankful for all the friends God's given me (including my parents and brothers - my four best friends!) that are serving Him faithfully. Keep going, guys! "How can I thank God enough for you in return for all the joy I have in the presence of God because of you?" (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

That's just a few. Hope your list brings you as much joy.
Kristi