Thankfulness

So . . . it's Boxing Day!  

The day where everyone wakes up early (or even camps out at the mall) and lines up for "great, cheap, deals."  Yet, despite all the business at the shopping malls, something just doesn't feel right. 

Flashback to yesterday.  Christmas Day.  People all over the world celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.  The one true hope for our world.  So why is it that the attitude and focus of so many people can change just after one day?  What happened that made our thoughts and focus change so quickly?

As I was reading my devotion on thankfulness this morning, a thought crossed my mind.  Here in Canada, we are so fortunate to have an abundance of blessings in our lives.  Our basic necessities are cared for, and the authorities are fair and just.  Canadians have rights and freedoms guaranteed to them.  As Christians, we can show our faith in God without being afraid or worried of being put in prison or killed.  Yet with everything we have, there is still a part of our hearts that is selfish, greedy, and ungrateful.

Naturally, all humans were born to be selfish.  It is a part of our imperfect human nature.  However, since God's provision and fingerprints are all over our lives, I think it is only right and pleasing in God's eyes that we are thankful for everything we have.

Now, I'm not saying that Boxing Day is a horrible way to wrap up the holiday season.  The point is, we should live a lifestyle of thankfulness towards God for His sacrifice and for everything He has given us.  

As the devotion says, "Continual thanks leads to a constant peace.  God's heart is good, and He is generous toward His children.  Make a choice to be thankful."