Hap-py Thanks-giv-ing.
Two words, five syllables.
Today, they will be spoken—by us and to us—countless times.
Happy Thanksgiving.
On this fourth Thursday in November, the accumulation of years and recent experiences has given me a deeper perspective on thankfulness.
Over half a century ago (yes, I’m that old), I recall an elder at church—an old mother of the faith—who would rise during testimony time (remember when that was a thing?) and say, “I thank God for a cool drink of water.” Then, as if she could sense the dismissive thoughts of younger, less seasoned minds, she’d add with conviction:
“Yes, I do! Yes, I do!”
As a child, her words didn’t resonate with me. The depth of her gratitude, the wisdom behind it, was utterly lost on my youthful, carefree self. But now? Oh, how I understand.
I thank God for a cool drink of water.
Take a moment to reflect on her words. Consider the layers of meaning: the privilege of having clean, accessible water; the physical ability to drink and enjoy it; and most importantly, the awareness to recognize such a simple gift as a profound blessing.
Because here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way.
When we fully grasp the fragile reality—that clean, potable water is not guaranteed, nor is our ability to consume it, nor even our capacity to appreciate it—we step into what I call the Thanksgiving Matrix (with apologies to Samuel L. Jackson and Keanu Reeves).
I thank God for a cool drink of water.
This Thanksgiving, I want to pause and share a few things for which I am deeply grateful:
Salvation
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.”
Forgiveness
“He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.”
Protection
“God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout; My mountaintop refuge, he saves me from ruthless men.”
And, before I forget, I thank God for the gift of gathering with family and friends, sharing time, space, laughter, love, and food—even when their political opinions drive me crazy. (Just kidding… mostly!)
I thank God for a cool drink of water. Yes, I do! Yes, I do!
Categories: Acts17seventeen
Pastor Mark
Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.
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