1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Thanksgiving Presence

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

The fall leaves have long ushered in the Thanksgiving season, for me. During the long drives between my parents, the plethora of colors in the trees brought a peace to my heart. I knew there would be a gathering of relatives; my favorites, and least favorites, all in one place. It would be a mixture of those people I hoped to stay around most of the day, and those I wanted to avoid.

My best Thanksgivings centered around the activities we did. Once, my dad’s cousin took us outside to play a game of basketball, taking the time to get us away from all the craziness that is adulthood. Another Thanksgiving, my Great Aunt and Uncle showed up to the wrong house and let themselves in; they did not know it was the wrong house, until the homeowners walked in their living room and told them!

I don’t really remember the food, save a few pies. I don’t really remember the awkward conversations. I do, however, remember feeling like I was a part of something much larger than myself. I was a piece of a puzzle that was partially completed when the family on my Dad’s side gathered together. I saw where much of my personality and heart came from. I saw the origin of the unfortunate sides of my personality as well. All in all, Thanksgiving was a time to set aside and be thankful for where we have gone, and where we will go. Thanksgiving was meant to refocus on what we have to be thankful for, but it also taught me to be thankful for the people who were present in that moment, at that time, and for many people are now gone.

This Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to be present in the moment. Turn off your phone, embrace the awkwardness and live in the moment; for it could truly be your last with the people at the table.

Guest devotion by Chad Miller. Chad is a sixth grade teacher in Raleigh, NC who enjoys writing. He is happily married with an incredible wife and two furry kids named Shadow and Lucy. Learn how you can write for us.