that's me... in the middle |
Saying “thank you” is a social courtesy. Have you ever thought
about what the response, “you’re welcome”, really means? An acquaintance of mine who runs a fantastic
etymology site describes a "welcome guest" as "one whose coming
is in accord with another's will".
In other words, if I express my will and send you an invitation, when
you arrive I will say “Welcome” – you have come at my will. (Notice that German keeps the ‘i’ – willkommen).
At Thanksgiving time, followers of Jesus celebrate
living in this world by God’s grace. We
attribute the good things that come our way as blessings from God. When blessings are short and troubles seem
great, followers of Jesus cling to God for grace to endure our troubles. Let’s get a word from our Sponsor:
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
God extends an invitation to every human – “Believe in
Me”. When we come to God in faith, we
are always “welcome”. Saying “Thank You”
to God means we accepted His invitation and recognize the benefit of coming to
Him. And what a benefit that is! Another word from our Sponsor:
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)
me... on the, uh, left |
Thanksgiving is a spectacular season. In this harvest time, we celebrate the bounty
of a blessed earth. Thanksgiving tables brim with food, “just put the pies over there, there’s no more
room here”. Decorations in many homes in
America will honor or reference the pilgrims who first came to this great land
to pursue God with all their hearts. Their
survival, and our current freedoms, depended on coming well to God, in
faith. This Thanksgiving when you say
grace over the bounty before you and the loving family and friends surrounding
you, when you’ve said “Amen”, stop for a moment and listen. Followers of Jesus will likely hear a
spiritual reply, “You’re Welcome”.
Clark H Smith
Clark H Smith
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