TRUE TREASURE: THANKSGIVING
treasure |ˈtreZHər| noun a very valuable object: She knew what true treasure was.
I hope you’re all enjoying the start of a beautiful holiday season with the cooler weather and our EBF 30 Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving!
It can be so easy for us to get distracted, especially during the holidays, when there is so much striving for our attention. We can get distracted by to-do lists, end of year goals, holiday parties, shopping, and everything else we need to get done.
But I think, especially during the holidays, it’s important to take time to be grateful for what God has given to us.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Last night, Field and I chaired the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Black Tie gala. We love this organization and the good it does for so many children and youth in need of mentorship. As I prepared my gala speech, I couldn’t help but think of all the mentors, teachers, pastors, and leaders who have inspired me, mentored me, and led me over the years. I don’t know where I would be without these people and it made me grateful to have them in my life.
We also proudly support SoupMobile, a Dallas homeless ministry providing food, shelter, and care for those in need year-round–especially during the cold, winter months. We are honored to support organizations like these, to give back to our Dallas community in any way we can.
I have not experienced homelessness myself, and I pray that I never will. But I have experienced God’s faithful provision through times of uncertainty and hopelessness. I consider myself blessed to have lived in seasons of both lack and abundance—and have learned to rely on God’s faithfulness through them both.
“I know what it is to be in need, and know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, there will always be someone we can compare our lives to who has it “better” or “worse” than we do. I choose to focus instead on having a grateful heart, thankful for all God has given to me—and discovering how I can be a good steward of those blessings.
We often “treasure” things that are really not worth our time and attention. Choose to spend your time and energy focusing on things that will last like your kids, your family, your friends, encouraging someone who is discouraged, or volunteering for an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters or SoupMobile. Thank God for your “true treasures” today, and be encouraged this holiday season—He is faithful!
XO-
Sabrina