By the Rev. David Hernes, retired Lutheran pastor

Are we as thankful as we “should” be? Of course not!

How could our gratitude ever measure up to the measure of our blessings?

We seem to have eye problems. We don’t seem to see how blessed we are.

And we have pressure problems. The problems of life press in on us.

And there is only room for so much on our plates.

Awareness of burdens can easily displace awareness of blessings.

So let me remind you of what I need to be reminded of myself.

This day is chock-full! of good.

By faith, we claim that God is with us, and for us.

And He has made a universe for us to thrive in.

All the resources we need are available to us.

Resources for: body, mind, soul, and spirit.

I mean — daily bread (not necessarily cake).

I mean — strength for mind and heart.

I mean — faith and love that transform existence.

I mean — forgiveness.

I mean — freedom from the bloodhounds of guilt and shame.

I mean — hope and reason for living.

I mean — the capacity to transcend everything that the enemy can throw at us.

1 mean — an endless source of joy and peace and love.

I mean — a daily personal walk with God.

Sure, life is often hard.

Apparently that’s the way life needs to be here and now.

What do we want, a cakewalk?

What kind of wimps would that make of us?

And what kind of indulgent God would we have then?

Often, it’s the battle that makes the triumph worth anything — even everything!

And with the God of Jesus Christ, the victory is assured.

Thanksgiving! Ah! We are blessed!