MTC Week #99 - A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart

Music & the Spoken Word - Thanksgiving Special, 11-22-15

Many years ago when my kids were much younger, they used to watch a lot of Veggie Tales episodes. In one of these episodes, a character named Madame Blueberry was never content with the things she had. She always wanted more. Associates from the new department store "Stuff Mart" paid her a visit and fueled her desire to get more stuff. They even escorted her to the store where she picked out so many things that they had to deliver all of the items in a truck. Along the way, she ends up having several experiences (including this one) that make her realize that being happy is not related to buying things or having more than the next person, it's about being thankful for what you have already. 

I thought about that theme today as the Choir sang songs of being thankful. Bro. Wilberg mentioned at rehearsal that he struggles a bit each year, to come up with songs that truly reflect the Thanksgiving theme. But I thought he did a great job with the repertoire he put together. While I actually enjoyed singing all of them, I think my favorite was "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends."  I particularly liked the last verse:

We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
our loving circle still embrace,
thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
thy peace be with us evermore.

Do we not all long for God's grace? His love? His mercy? Do we not all strive to live our lives so we can feel His peace? There's certainly nothing else like it.
 
Sometimes I struggle with Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the time off, the time with family, eating yummy food, and being able to relax from the regular stress of each week. I just hope I spend enough time being thankful. I think, in my head, that I should have this huge "thankful event" occur inside me, to mark the day. That rarely happens though. It probably doesn't happen for most people. I think, though, as long as we take at least a few minutes, perhaps in prayer, to express our gratitude, we'll be able to have that happy heart that Madame Blueberry was hoping to find--and did find, in the end.

Until next time, God be with you.