Losing Sight

Today was the last day of class in my city before the Thanksgiving break. Because many of my students are fairly new immigrants, most are not familiar with some of the history behind many of our federal holidays. This week we took a brief look at early American history; this included a look at the origin of Thanksgiving. At the end, my students all shared what they were most thankful or grateful for. As I listened intently, it always amazes me [every year] that not one student mentioned ‘ things’. Somehow their possessions and material things were lower on their list of ‘what matters’.

As we begin to jump ahead on into the holiday season, I pray we all keep things in perspective. My students above, with their stories of gratitude keep me grounded. There is a constant reminder to keep it simple. To not lose sight of the things I can undoubtedly take for granted. The freedoms I can so easily disregard. The family I can see and hold so close to me. My village; my community that has held me up through the years. The privilege to love and be loved in meaningful ways.

Many of my students can never go back to their native country for fear of losing their lives. I have seen the pain they walk through when they cannot go to a parent’s funeral. Not able to say goodbye. Some haven’t seen their spouses or children in flesh for years. They hear the trauma their loved ones experience as war rips their country apart. The helpless look on their faces. I never want to forget that I have been beyond blessed.

So this holiday season – I choose to dial it down a bit. To be less of a consumer and maybe more of giver. To truly remember what the word ‘thanksgiving’ means and not lose sight of the reason I celebrate Christmas. To be more grateful for what I have rather than focusing on what I don’t have. Less concerned about tomorrow or yesterday and embrace the now.

Hear this:

 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.

People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Matthew 6:30-34 MSG

***Glad you stopped by-Never lose sight….