Yesterday I was watching a news clip of the president as he pardoned two turkeys on the front lawn of the White House. Along with political banter the main idea of the ceremony was to keep these two from the chopping block, as Thanksgiving approached. As I watched the turkeys seemed unfazed by the ceremony and all the excitement that was going on around them. In reality they seemed oblivious and were not about to give thanks for their newly spared lives.
The whole tradition seems idiotic, doesn’t it? But as I was thinking of its ridiculousness, it struck me that it was also symbolic. In many ways I am one of those turkeys. Yeah, I can hear all the puns or jokes that this has brought to some of your minds. I am sure some who have known me for a while would agree and know what a ‘turkey’ I am and have been. But all joking aside. Isn’t this ceremony exactly what God has done for us through the amazing act of love accomplish on the cross? And isn’t our reaction a lot like those turkeys wandering around oblivious of the pardon or salvation we have been offered and freely given.
I am sure for some of you the answer is no. You truly have an appreciation and deep thankfulness for God’s unending love, His pardon and sacrifice. But I cannot say I have had this understanding for the greater part of my life. And even as I have slowly come to the knowledge of what an act of love it was that provided me with the freedom I now enjoy. I do not often enough stop to bow my head in utter awe and thanksgiving for its transforming power. I fail daily to live in an attitude of gratitude. In many ways the image of those turkeys wandering on the White House lawn reminded me of how I lived and still to an extent live my life.
I mean, I have heard this quote attributed to many, “I may not be the man I want to be, but I thank God I am not the man I used to be.” And as far as my walk with God goes, I believe it to be true. I certainly am not the bitter God-hating man who once sold drugs to children. I now think of myself in terms the apostle Paul stated so well in the Book of Ephesians, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve.” (Ephesians 2:8) I see this, I really do. I comprehend that it is not through anything that I have done that I now am here writing this. But I still am very neglect daily, I am not living in a thankful spirit. Why is this?
Ok, I can give you the typical response. Life is busy, and I just get too involved in getting things done to spend the time as I should in humble thanksgiving. But I know that is not right. In fact, you could say it is a ‘turkey’ of an excuse. Like many of us, I truly have been on a journey of faith to get where I am right now. Sure, I have the knowledge of God’s Word. I know in my head the sacrifice Jesus accomplished on the cross. But all of that is in my head. Yes, I have been on the road of faith, but have I taken the shortest journey, yet the biggest step needed? The ten-inch trip from my head to my heart! My answer is yes and no.
Yes, because I can feel God’s love so truly and know it with all my heart… sometimes. No, because in those ‘other’ times my skeptical, addict brain takes over and moves me away from the heart felt knowledge of that amazing love. And that happens way to often. So, what is the solution to this frustrating see-saw life? How can I live a life from the heart, in prayer and thanksgiving always?
I can’t! I cannot do it as long as I am not willing to surrender it all. The trip from the head to the heart is really only accomplished as Jesus walk to Calvary was, in total surrender and faith in the Father. So far, I have not been willing to do that completely. But I know He is not given up on me. And as I sit here today the day before Thanksgiving, I see all He has already done in my life and I am grateful.
So, in the end I am not like those turkeys. I am not oblivious of God’s grace and love. But know, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) And if I have not taken all steps to love Him as He loves me, I will not allow Satan to draw me backward but with thanksgiving say, “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart. I will tell of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1) And surrender a little bit more each day.
Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving,
John
