On this Thanksgiving day, we are each tasked with finding meaning in our life first by identifying what we are thankful for receiving, and then by conveying our appreciation for the gift, and for the creator of the gift.
Gifts come from others, and Thanksgiving is a time to honor not only the gift, but the giver, and the selfless act of giving itself. For me, the list of these is long. But one gift—that of life and all the blessings that comprise it—rises to the top.
One prayer captures the mystery and significance of the gift of life perfectly: Saint Augustine, from his autobiography “Confessions”, written in 398 AD and appearing in Book 10, Chapter 29. Translations vary, but I will do my best:
“I give thanks to you for your gifts my honor, my sweetness, my God. Keep and guard these gifts for me, and thus you will keep me. Then all that you have given me will become both increased and perfected. And I myself shall be with you, for that I am is also your gift.”
THANK YOU FOR THAT WELL NEEDED PRAYER.
Blessings to our wonderful United States of America
Beautiful prayer! ✝️ Happy Thanksgiving to you all! 🦃❤️
Well said.
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People who don’t believe in the Creator think THEY are the gift of life. It was all brought together by some random star exploding into the universe by unknown and undetectable forces.
We are just happenstance…….
If you’re referring to evolution, then you are incorrect. This either betrays ignorance of the theory on your part or something else, about which I dare not speculate. Evolution dictates that natural selection (which is a non-random process) and mutation bring about changes in species over time.
Julia. I’m an atheist and I don’t think I’m special as you imply. I’m just like you in nearly every way. I don’t know how the gift of life came to be. The Big Bang is one hypothesis, but you’d likely not find any scientist who claims it’s the absolute answer. Atheists are OK with not knowing all things which differs from Christians.
I’m grateful every day for the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
I don’t deserve his grace
I didn’t earn his grace
I can’t earn his grace
But I embrace it through FAITH and faith alone. It is by faith we are saved. Not by anything I can do. Freedom through Christ. Sadly, that’s way too difficult for many people to understand. Spread the word! Joy and freedom no man can take away.