Give Thanks

 by Macy Johnson

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

(Psalm 100:4 NIV)

 

Every time I read Psalm 100 my mind transports me back to May, 1990. Parents and grandparents were seated in the crowded lunchroom of the elementary school. The lights dimmed and we watched in expectation as my son walked to center stage, leaving his kindergarten classmates on risers behind him.

 

With unabashed confidence, Alex asked the audience to please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. My heart swelled with pride and tears soon followed as he asked the audience to remain standing for the presentation of the 100^th Psalm.

 

Alex recited the verses perfectly, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” He caught my undivided attention when he spoke the following words more deliberately, “all… ye… lands…” He continued, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God.”

 

At the close of the Psalm, Alex stood tall and announced, “Let us pray.” I don’t remember the prayer that evening at my son’s kindergarten class graduation at Pensacola Christian School, but on Thanksgiving Day morning I recalled that celebration and many others I am thankful for.

 

I asked my heavenly Father to reveal Himself to me more clearly. His response via a devotional by (in)courage came, “A posture of gratitude can shift our perspective and our hearts to see God in the present moment.” It is through thankfulness and humility that we see our Lord.

 

Thanksgiving is not restricted to the fourth Thursday of November. It is a way of life. It is the attitude of gratitude - seeing God in every tiny detail of every moment of every day.

 

I will recall and remember all my blessings and be thankful. I hope you will, too!