Walking in the Valley A bi-weekly column, featuring one Silicon Valley Christian's (a)musings on life's journey by Barbara Dahlgren

Truly Thankful Column for the weeks of November 16-30, 2008

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In spite of a shaky economy, most of us will sit down to a Thanksgiving feast that would feed a third world country – but will we be truly thankful? It is said that the pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts, yet set aside a day of thanksgiving. That’s quite remarkable when you think about it.

We live in a society that fosters discontent, not thankfulness. People prefer to focus on what they don’t have, rather than on what they do have. Bombarded with a media blitz designed to make us feel like we are missing the good life, we end up dissatisfied with a new purchase before we even get it home and out of the box.

Maybe it’s time to get back to basics and count our blessings. Are we thankful for the everyday things we take for granted? What about food, shelter, clothing? Running water, indoor plumbing, heat in the winter? What about arms, hands, legs, toes, feet? What about life?

On the surface you might think Nick Vujicic has nothing to be thankful for. For no medical reason he was born without arms and legs. Yet, in spite of these impossible circumstances, he shares the joy of Jesus with nations. His passion to share God’s hope and love with all he meets is truly inspirational. Do yourself a favor. Just Google his name or check out one of his YouTube presentations like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA   

If you watch it, I’m sure you’ll be truly thankful for what you have.

It is said that the pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts, yet set aside a day of thanksgiving. Maybe they were just thankful just to be alive.

Be sure to visit this page often to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.