THANKFUL REMEMBRANCE

 Philippians 1:3-6

Thanksgiving is now less than a week away.  The news articles are beginning to focus on Thanksgiving travel. About 38.2 million people are expected to be on the road as the travel over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house.  That will be about 90% of the traveling public. Another 9% will go by air.

Rising gas prices and a tight economy will exact a greater price for this annual American ritual.  And in you travel through Vermont or New Hampshire or in the towns of Livonia MI and Orlando FL, a lead foot may make the cost more dear as they are the locations of the highest number of speed traps in our nation. 

The headlines this week don't make Thanksgiving necessarily a pleasant gathering.  The rise of debt collector abuse, the child abuse scandal at Penn State, the acrimony of the election campaign, the turmoil surrounding such things as Occupy Wall Street, cities in severe financial crisis are just a few of the things in my own area that disturb our peace and steal our joy.

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to the insanity of travel, the distance from loved ones, and turmoil of his world--a turmoil that sometimes affected him directly.  Yet he wrote in so many letters something like he said to the Philippians:

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on  to completion in the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil.1:3-6)

This season, whether you travel or stay close to home, whether you live in a community in turmoil or are occupying Wall Street--take some time from the "moment" to remember what God has done in your life. Remember those experiences that remind you of God's provision and wisdom. Remember those persons who share your faith, your values, your love -- and thank God!