We sang this praise chorus Sunday morning at church and sometimes I am afraid I just go through the motions and maybe never even stop to really think what the words I am singing really mean:

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given, Jesus Christ His Son

Chorus

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich”

Because of what the Lord has done for us

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich”

Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks give thanks

When thinking of what I should offer thanks for many times what comes to mind are things that are finite. They have a beginning and an end. No matter how much value we put on some things, at some point in time they will disappear and no longer be available to us.

I remember a study by Rick Warren several years ago; he mentioned that early actions have eternal consequences. I think the words to this song and the eternal consequences should be a reminder of what we really should be thankful for and what is most important to realize at this time of year.

If Jesus had not died on the cross as an atonement for our sins and rose again to conquer death, it would not matter how great our harvest, how much money we have in the bank, how great our job might be, how many folks work for us, how well our children have done in school, or even how great our health might be. None of those things would actually matter; all of those things will one day have an ending.

I am blessed in so many ways and thankful for the life I have been able to live, having good health, food to eat, a warm and dry home, loving family, living in a free country, a job to support my family and so many other things too long to list, but all of this would be null if this was all there was.

But because of God’s grace and His love shown for us through Jesus, no matter what life we have here in this world, rich or poor, weak or strong, one day we will all have an eternal home that He has prepared for us.

Because of what God has done for all of us, and His offer of salvation, this is truly what I want to give thanks for, not only at Thanksgiving but each day of life that I am given. Praise God from whom all blessings flow and for all He has done for all of us.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.