An Invitaton to Thanksgiving; Psalm 118

This past Friday, I gathered with friends to say goodbye to a wonderful lady named Joyce Hemingway. Joyce's generous spirit was repeatedly mentioned at her funeral—not just generous in how she gave but in how she welcomed. Every holiday, there were always a few extra at Joyce and John's table. They had a practice of welcoming international students from Denmark, Japan, and the Middle East into their home to celebrate Thanksgiving. It always struck me that these students had no national connection to our Thanksgiving holiday. But gratitude is an international language. Joyce's cooking was too! I think gratitude welcomes others. When we invite others to give thanks with us, our reasons to be thankful can show them their own reasons to give thanks. You hear this in the opening verse of Psalm 118. Verse 1 calls out, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." Those who hear respond, "For his steadfast love endures forever!" Your gratitude has the power to change someone's attitude! Someone needs to hear your gratitude! Make sure you open your heart to them and tell them what God has done for you!