What I am thankful for...

A little boy is playing in a field. He picks the weeds and follows the foxes to their dens where he sees little cubs fast asleep on their mommy's belly. He lays down in the tall grass and watches the clouds pass him by. A monkey, a train. Everything is new and exciting. Everything is beautiful. The little boy comes to play here everyday. He knows the feel of the trees and the smell of the dirt.

The little boy loves this place. He stays when it turns dark, catching lightening bugs and watching the stars. Suddenly, a big star comes crashing from the heavens. The boy sits in wonder at this beautiful new thing.

But as the lights shine on him, he feels the warmth of the sun. And a bright light welcomes him to an even more fantastic field to play in, one that shall not whither.

The bright light is heaven. And Jesus is welcoming the boy to come and play with him.

The little boy never knew that the falling star was a plane on the path to big important buildings. There were good people and there were bad people on that plane. They wanted the big buildings to fall down, but the good people on the plane knew that many more people would die if that happened. So they made the choice that they thought was best.

Even though it was hard, even though it meant they could not see their families again, they knew that they had to give up what they had in order to help others. The pilot of the plane knew he had to do all that he could. He knew he would never see his son again; a little boy who loved to play in the field and pick the weeds.

But when the father opened his eyes, he saw his son playing with Jesus in a big open field covered in flowers and foxes. There was no more smoke, and there was no more fire.

There is another Father who gave up His son to help others. His son was killed, in a much harsher and devastating way. His little boy had grown big and tall, but He was still His little boy. Jesus died to save all of those He loves. He died so that I would not have to. He died so that you would not have to.

How can I be more thankful than to praise the man who died for me. Not because I was worth it, but so that He could make me worthy. Not because of all I have to offer, but so that He could show me all He wants to give me. He has turned this harsh, smoke and fire filled world, into one of beauty for all that choose him.

How can anything deserve more thanks than the free gift Christ has given to me? I do not worry, I do not fear. All I have is love. What more can I be thankful for?

Amen.