Thankfulness leads to Generosity
Rikki Permenter, MAMFC, Th. M.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Thanksgiving always has been my favorite holiday. I know - you’re thinking “not Christmas or your birthday?” No — not Christmas or even my birthday. Every year I look forward to the celebration- watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cooking the best-ever cornbread dressing, decorating the table, having family over, avoiding hot topics with those family members, playing dominoes, eating the best-ever cornbread dressing, then sneakily packing a to-go container with the rest of the best-ever cornbread dressing. November is always a time people talk about being thankful for what they have since America has an entire holiday set apart for it. There is honestly no better way to kick off the holiday season than to ponder upon what you are thankful for.
In Lamentations, Jeremiah writes of the Lord’s steadfast love and mercies being new every morning. He writes of how the Lord gives to each of us, freely and generously, every day so, we never run out. The Lord generously provides for our needs, and we can follow his example. Let the start of this holiday season be the kickstart of a time of generosity and giving in your life. The response of a thankful heart is generosity and openhandedness. Like a small child who never questions if their caregivers will come when they cry - we have a good Father who provides for us in our times of need.
Ask yourself how you can give to others out of your excess. Take inventory of your surplus. Find ways to meet the needs of others in a fun and creative way. Each of us has things in our home that are a little excessive - maybe its a stockpile of toiletries, or canned vegetables, or clothing you’re just holding on to. Find a way to use what God has blessed you with (in excess) to meet the needs of others around you.
This article can be found in print in the monthly Baptist Association of Southeast Louisiana newsletter.
