I’ve heard more horrible stories than I care to count. Far too many of you have endured things that are almost unimaginable.  And it might make Thanksgiving a wrestling match with integrity.

I completely understand that when your history and your present reality are a gigantic mess, it’s hard to put on a “thankful face,” and go eat turkey.  If that’s where you are, if you’re struggling to find something to be thankful for, may I suggest something out of this world?  In fact, even if you DO have much to be thankful for right now (as I certainly do), may I suggest something out of this world?

Followers of Jesus can be thankful for the hope that he extends to all of us.  The hope based on the resurrection.  What I mean is that this life is not all there is.  God’s plans are not contained within “the dash” as it’s called. (The “dash” on the tombstone between your dates of birth and death.)  It’s the hope in what lies beyond this life.  The hope that one day God will restore ALL of his creation.  The hope that there will be, “no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)  The hope that we will finally be transformed into the people we were made to be, or “into [Jesus’] likeness with ever-increasing glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)  The hope that “when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

In other words, things ARE going to get better.  You WILL become whole.  And God’s creation will be restored to its intended glory, and for that we can all be deeply grateful this Thanksgiving.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.  His love endures forever!  Psalm 136:1

-Pastor Mark