Galatians 5:22-23 “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control.  There is no law against such things.”

Today is a day of gathering and celebrating the bounty we all have.  We gather with friends and family or sit in quiet reflection on our own but this day has been set aside in our nation since the birth of it.  As we look at the table overflowing with food let us take a  moment to remember tables that have very little or no food.  Let us take a moment to remember food lines to receive a free turkey dinner and the people who need those free meals to receive this blessing.  Regardless of whether we are in need, or if we are singing songs of praise for the bounty we have, we need to remember the deeper bounty that we have all been offered for the taking.  When we receive God’s Spirit, when we accept Him into our lives, He gives us living fruit.  These fruits are gifts we receive and gifts we are to share with others.  As we prepare our meals let us also prepare to share love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  In these gifts we are truly and deeply blessed.  Through the sharing of these gifts we can all raise our hands and hearts in thanksgiving to our God.

Lord,

Thank you for all you have given us, we are truly and deeply blessed.  Help us share the bounty in our homes as well as the bounty in our hearts.  Move us in your Spirit.  Amen.