I am thankful for lots of things -- serious things, frivolous things, basic, concrete things, and more nebulous, ethereal things.
On Sunday, my mother asked me if I would pray before we had dinner. I wasn't expecting her request, so I was put a little bit on the spot. But as is so often the case, especially when I haven't had time to prepare, God gave me the words to say.
I can't remember everything I said, but I know I expressed gratitude for time with family, delicious food, and thoughtfully chosen gifts. There were probably some other items as well, such as health and safety in travels. I didn't pray for the family members who were absent from our gathering because I knew I would cry if I said E and N's names. It's hard for me to keep from crying when I pray aloud anyway, let alone when I'm praying for someone I love and miss very much.
The main emphasis of my prayer was to express thankfulness for the greatest gift anyone has ever been given, the gift of Jesus as Savior. No other earthly gift, no matter how expensive or beautiful, can compare to God's life-giving gift of His Son.
I am so thankful that God sent Jesus to save me from my sins. And I am thankful that the Word made flesh and the words of God in Scripture encouraged me to accept God's gracious gift to me. I received many lovely gifts this Christmas, but the forever gift of Jesus will always be most precious to me.
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