Thanks Be to God
Remember to invite "Big Daddy" for dinner today
Before we all fall into a tryptophan-induced stupor, let me suggest the following for today: Aside from listing the usual things you’re thankful for—family, friends, good health, etc.—let’s make it a point to be thankful to God, for God.
Thank Him for existing.
I mean, really, if God didn’t exist, we’d have to invent Him. He’s just that good and loving and wonderful. He’s also sometimes sad and hurt and offended… specifically when His own children neglect Him, forget about Him, and offend Him with their disrespectful behavior.
Because that’s how He wants to be loved: for His own sake, not just for the things He does for us.
He wants us to love Him like little children love their Daddy (hence the name “VatiGod” I gave Him). He wants us to squeal in delight and run to Him when He gets in the door after a long day of creating. He wants us to hop on His lap and throw our little arms around Him and shower Him with kisses (just like the Child Jesus recently did for me).
Then He wants us to sit down with Him and tell Him all about our day—our little successes and failures, our joys and our hurts. He will dry our tears after we tripped over our own feet and scraped our knees… and we can show Him our boo-boos, and He will blow on them and make cooing noises, and it’ll be all better.
He loves to hang out with us. When we go about our busy days, at school, at work, at home… he’s happy to tag along. He doesn’t even expect us to only focus on Him—a quick thought, a loving glance, a slight smile in His direction to acknowledge Him is all He wants. Of course, if we do decide to make Him front and center, He promises to be our best friend, advisor, and guardian.
We can also read together—my son and I used to call it “buddy reading.” VatiGod’s favorite book to read with us is the one He wrote Himself. It’s a bestseller, with millions of copies sold throughout the world, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.
And then, when it’s time for bed, He wants us to go to sleep smiling, secure in the knowledge that He’s there to take care of us and that He will let no harm come to us.
That’s how VatiGod wants to be loved. Same goes for Jesus; remember, they’re a package deal.
So don’t forget to invite “Big Daddy” to your Thanksgiving Dinner. He’s waiting for you to remember Him this day. How about you write Him a letter or a Thanksgiving card telling Him how much you love Him… say a special prayer to Him before you eat… and give Him the place of honor at your table.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!