Choosing to live a life of thanks-Living like Paul

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, but I wasn't...not nearly as much as I should have been. Thanks-giving, I mean. I was tired, already stressing over the upcoming Christmas preparations, mad at myself for putting off -- for yet another year -- buying presents ahead of time, and frustrated over my lack of discipline at the buffet table.

Just how many mashed potatoes does it take to make me happy?

No one needs to tell me there is much to be grateful for. Adam and Jenn hosted a wonderful day of fellowship and fun, and it is always a highlight to spend time with my family. We are all healthy and safe; we all have jobs, heat, clothing, and plenty of food (obvious from the leftover turkey carcass and apple pie crumbs).

I know what my problem is. I have a hard time staying "in the moment." I am always thinking ahead -- what needs to be done NEXT. I forget to be grateful for the NOW, an attitude which is anything but thankful. Saint Paul knew the difference.

To the Ephesians he wrote, "Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul penned that from his dungeon cell. I am certain he wasn't writing in between bites of turkey and cranberry sauce, nor was he concerned about the presents he would be buying for Timothy when he was released. Read the epistles, the letters Paul wrote to different cities. Paul begins most by reminding Christ's followers that he gives God thanks for them and then proceeds to write about God's bountiful provisions.

Paul never seemed too whooped about tomorrow's earthly concerns. He was thankful for his NOW. His life was one of thanks-Living.

Few of us can say the same, as illustrated by the story of Saint Peter touring a newly-arrived soul in Heaven. They were inside a large workroom filled with angels. Peter stopped in the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here all the petitions to God said in prayer are received."

The soul noticed that many angels were busy, sorting petitions written on voluminous paper from people all over the world.

At the second section Saint Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here the graces and blessings the people asked for are packed and delivered to the persons who requested them down on earth." Again, many angels were busy at work, since so many blessings were being packed and delivered to Earth.

Finally, at the farthest corner of the room, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stayed there idly, doing nothing.

"This is the Acknowledging Section," Saint Peter told the soul.

"How is it that there is no work here?"

"That's the sad thing," Saint Peter answered. "After the people received the blessings they asked for, very few send their acknowledgements."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" "Simple," Saint Peter answered. "Just say 'Thank you, Lord.'"

If you are like me, you are guilty of being unthankful. Maybe it's time to choose a life of thanks-Living and give that third angel a lot more business.