The only real tree on the lot.

… and so we’re entering the season of giving. The season of Hope. The season of the Christmas tradition. Yep, it “officially” begins today. Black Friday. Time to get the tree up. Christmas parties and end of the year celebrations. I love this time of year, for all of the good memories, family traditions and warm thoughts.

Remember the Prayer of Saint Francis?

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

I love this time of year most of all because it is the season of generosity. When Saint Francis said “For it is in giving that we receive,” he emphasized the pathway to the joy of the season – through giving.

The thought of what God gave us when Jesus was born… it’s not just that God gave us heaven, He also gave us a way in, and a road map to get there.

How?

It’s the #1 reason to be thankful, today and everyday…

Forgiveness. Without it we would be lost. Try as I might, I’m oh so not perfect. It’s my only hope to heaven and eternal life, and to having a relationship with God. I would be lost without forgiveness. That’s what God gave us when He sent Jesus here, it’s through atonement that we’re forgiven or pardoned for our sins.

Forgiveness is like an old friend. Timeless. We can see them maybe a couple of times a year but when we do we pick right back up where we left off… and so, while yesterday was Thanksgiving, we can head back to the gym to exercise off the extra we gained… and continue the thought… getting matchy matchy with forgiveness…

Back to Saint Francis:

“For it is in pardoning that we are pardoned”

The #1 reason to be thankful today…

Forgiveness.

Like God’s promise to me and you, that it’s never too late… forgive those who are holding you back… and be thankful.