By Brother Matthew Henson

The early morning hours are quiet in my house. As my family continues to sleep, I enjoy getting up to read, pray, journal, and consider the opportunities in front of me for the day. Our couch faces east toward a window in our kitchen. When I first sit down on the couch in these early morning hours, it is dark and quiet. As I drink my coffee and read, I look up on many mornings to see the vast display of God’s creative beauty in the sunrise breaking forth as the sun rises in the east. I enjoy the orange and red hues that make up these sunrises and will at times stare out the window at the canvas God is painting with the rising sun.

It is easy to take for granted those experiences we regularly have and the material blessings we often use in our lives. Point of Grace, a contemporary Christian quartet, sang a song entitled, God Forbid whose chorus started with the lyrics, “God forbid, that I should find you so familiar; that I think of you as less than who you are.” It is easy to become so familiar with the daily operations of our lives, to miss out on God’s hand at work and to be thankful for the daily blessings of life. It is easy to miss God’s beauty in the rush of our world or in our acceptance of what we deem as regular or expected in life.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It has been my tendency to apply this passage to the difficult times in my life. Yet, as I read this passage once again, I realized “all circumstances” included the daily blessings I too often take for granted. It includes the beautiful sunrises and sunsets; the breath of life; the quality time with my family; the food in my pantry; my heartbeat; etc.

In this thanksgiving season, I want to slow down to count my blessings and to not become so familiar with the “simple things in life” that I forget to stand in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness to provide me these blessings.

Where have you become so familiar in your life that you miss out on the simple blessings? How will you stop during this Thanksgiving season to give God thanks in all circumstances and for all blessings?

Prayer: Thank you for the blessings of my life. I know I tend to look for the big blessings and miss out on the everyday blessings you give to me. Thank you for the sunrise and the sunset that regularly paints the sky with beauty. Slow me down and help me remember everything you have done and are doing in my life. Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.