Dr. Waylon Bailey

In spite of it all

2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. I don’t have to review everything that has gone on, but from the pandemic to hurricanes, it’s been tough.

That leads me to ask the question, “How do we observe THANKSGIVING in an environment such as this?” More than anything else, in this kind of environment we should be more grateful. We should look for every opportunity to give thanks unto God and to be a blessing to other people.

Let me give you a few suggestions about this week.

First, emphasize the things you have to be thankful for instead of what you have missed or lost. Spend time “counting your blessings” and thinking of the little and big joys of life.

Second, note the people around you who are struggling with loss of family, livelihood, or some other great tragedy. As you pray for them and their needs, you will begin to look at life through the proper lenses of gratitude and love. This will help make your Thanksgiving week much more meaningful and even more enjoyable.

Third, look for someone to bless and do so generously. If you have ‘in abundance,’ then ‘give out of’ your abundance. I am simply amazed about how I am blessed when l seek to bless other people with encouragement and generosity.

Fourth, don’t forget to whom you should be grateful. Our gratitude should focus on God and His blessings. He is the giver of every good gift. All of the things in life which are good, and a blessing, come from him.

The Bible is filled with exhortations to give thanks and glorify God. The more we do so, the more we will
experience joy and happiness in the days to come.