Regardless of our station in life we all have something to be thankful for. Tomorrow we will celebrate Thanksgiving with our family, extended family and friends. It is an annual event that we look forward to all year. By the time this letter arrives in you mail box it will be over. Does that mean my thankfulness has also ended? Most certainly it must not! To be thankful is a matter of will not emotion. While we can always find something that we don't like, we must find things daily for which to be thankful for. Thanks moves the heart of God. I sat in the home of a precious family just last night who have so moved Pam and me. This family of 4 came here with nothing, from the worst of the violent cities along the border of MX. The first time I went to their home (2 months ago), was to take them some much needed "stuff." They were sleeping on the floor, living without beds, furniture, and indeed even very much food, yet they were so thankful to be here and out of the violence of Juárez. This whole family of 4 makes a living working at McDonald's. They speak very little English, but are overjoyed to have a job, even if at McDonald's. After tithes, offerings and taxes, they make very little per hour, but have no complaints. They invited us to their home to give us an offering. This family is a lesson out loud to all of us who have so much.
If you ever get a chance, go visit a car junk yard, you will see the rusted out dreams of yesterday. Those cars were someone's goals, who thought, "If I just had that 1982 Cutlass!" Look at it today, just scrape metal, the former owner now needing something new. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with you wanting something new but remember, happiness will never be found in the abundance of what one possesses (Luke 12:15) but in the treasure of your heart. True joy is buried within and the shovel of thankfulness will dig it out. May we find the will to be as Paul instructed in 1Th 5:18 "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. You want to walk in God's will; you can start by being thankful. "Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting."
I'm thankful for my brother in law Randy Lott, who in 2002 started taking flying lessons, which inspired me to hear the Lord ask me, "Do you still believe you will have an airplane someday; isn't it time you learn to fly one?" In just a few days I will be loading that airplane with coats and clothes as I once again head back to Mexico. It will be my great pleasure to leave money with Javier for the purchase of Christmas presents for the children at Wings of Hope. To see the smiles on their faces is always a great reward. Salutation, it is because of your help that we are able to help others. I am so thankful for you.
May you always have a grateful heart and enjoy this beautiful season with friends and loved ones. Until we meet again,
Blessings and Peace be unto you.
Jim &Pam Stockdale
