A number of nations around the world celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday. Yet, the central element of “giving thanks” is frequently overshadowed by the self-centered commercialism associated with Halloween and Christmas. In the United States, even before the shopping madness of  America’s “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. and one of the busiest shopping days of the year), retailers are already busy promoting items for Christmas.

The United States, like many other nations, is facing an ever-growing mountain of national debt. The interest paid on the U.S. national debt is on pace to even exceed military spending in the years ahead (Wall Street Journal, November 11, 2018).

Thoughts are powerful. Our thoughts produce words and actions, which bring either positive or negative consequences. Thoughts do have real power, as is demonstrated in the Bible.

As millions across the United States prepare to gather around their tables for Thanksgiving Day feasts on this upcoming fourth Thursday in November, we should take a moment to consider the blessings we have received—and the source of those blessings!