In the last few years, two competing worldviews have surfaced in our culture.  One worldview is steeped in gratitude and the other is steeped in the language of victimhood.  One worldview tells you to take stock, see your faults and situation, and then work to improve yourself.  The other worldview tells you that you are more a product of your circumstance and that you will need the help of others to improve your situation for you.  One is the view of the world in which you are master of your own destiny and the other requires everyone around you to commit to giving you the proper resources to succeed.  Of course I am talking about the traditional western and Christian worldview.  The other is a newer Marxian view of life.  So, this Thanksgiving, what direction will you go?  Will you see the founders of our county, our way of life as a gift from God that paved the way for this incredible way of life?  Will you see your parents as a gift from God who either gave you the tools to succeed or, if your childhood was difficult, will you see them as giving you the tools to navigate hard circumstances?  Or will you choose to think that they all failed you?

So often our temptation is to focus on the troubles, problems, and difficulties. To scream “foul” at our circumstances when they don’t go our way.  As I think back on all my years, the one constant refrain is that very little actually went according to my plan – and I am so thankful that it didn’t.  I don’t think my life would be the same.  How anemic would life be if I accomplished all I thought I would.  Instead, I was given nine mild mannered children who are delightful to spend time with and a loving wife who is there to help me work through tough problems and cheer me on.  Would it have been like this if I had gotten my way.  Only God could know the answer to that one, but I am happy things have worked out this way.  Maybe your circumstance isn’t so good.  Maybe, if you change how you think about your life and pray for God’s help to improve it, you will slowly begin to see your life change and your will grow in stature with every passing day.  On this Thanksgiving Day, will you reflect on all those undeserved and hard fought for accomplishments in your life?  If you are like me, your thoughts will turn towards family, friends, God, and all those business acquaintances who have added to the fullness of my life over the past 20 years and your heart will be made glad.  Will you be thankful this Thanksgiving?  I hope so, the joy in your heart will be hard to contain!