Shawn: Thanksgiving

Wow, thanksgiving is an evolving word in my vocabulary. The basic definition is simple-giving thanks or praise. But how it is defined in terms of when where and how are taking on new life of their own. For example, can sleeping be thanksgiving, something created by God for us to do. And so is good sleep praise, but is not-so-good sleep not be praise? And if we do something that doesnt bring praise to God, isnt that a sin? So shouldnt we find something more beneficial with our time?

I am in awe of Judah and the late nights he puts into his studies, specifically his exegetical. I enjoy sleep too much to much to work late into the night (i'd love to put a time on this like 3 or 5 or an all nighter, but truth is i'm always asleep when he is working and it seems like he is already up when i get up). His work ethic is increadible and i know that he finds joy in what his is studying and disecting.

Brains, what an amazing tool. I think this is what i am most thankful for. For all the uses it has and for how complex it is. From controlling our thoughts and thought process, studying, analyzing, memorizing. It controls our emotions, our senses and even our body movements. Where would we be without it.

But while i am grateful and thankful for something that makes me who i am, should i not be more thankful to Him (apologies to the people who dont like to see God in masculine forms...i still havent found a way around that) who created that individual part of me? I still struggle to atribute the events and circumstances around me that i can physically see and know, to a God who controls them, a God i cannot see, know, and the hardest of all, understand.

But while i struggle to comprehend His (again...sry 'its' just doesnt cut it here) ways, i can be confident that if i follow His ways, i will not be forsaken, abandoned or forgotten. He never fails, never comes up short, and is never wrong in action or judgement. And in this i can most certainly give praise.

Now i dont believe that sleep is wrong, even if it isnt the most restful sleep, but sometimes there are other important things to do. While i have heard that many people have said it will be a relaxing break and they are looking forward to catching up on sleep, this is not where i stand. I am looking forward to catching up with friends and family, and this will most certainly mean late nights and stories and events that last way into the night.

I am also grateful for Riley Crt. You guys are like family to me and I couldnt see myself anywhere else this semester. You have made me think in ways i never expected i would have to, but it has grown my understanding and confidence of not only who I am, but also the world around me. Take care on break and may God bless the people and things you are thankful for.
SY