An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

A Season of Thanks

  • Published
  • By Chaplain, Capt, Jon W. Smithley
  • 325th Fighter Wing Chapel Protestant Chaplain
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Greetings to all. Looking back on this past summer, it was rather hot and humid at times - like any normal summer. Yet, in looking back, I realize how fast this summer passed by. So has this entire year for that matter!

Time seldom stands still and it does not wait for anyone - certainly not for those of us living in busy times and busy days! Indeed, busy lives and busy schedules with demanding jobs, can leave many tired and worn out. Many may be struggling to find time for what truly matters in our earthly lives: our faith life and our family.

Psalm 46:10 offers us some wonderful insight and counsel as God says, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth."

Sometimes to get ahead in life, we have to slow down. I know this is contrary to our human nature and to the ways of this world, but it's true.

What better way to slow down than to pause for a brief moment and to give thanks! Yes, a season of thanks will soon be upon us and certainly have a lot to being thankful for:

1. The gift of life (and health)
2. The gift of family, children and loved ones
3. The gift of friends
4. The gift of daily bread, house, home, clothing and shelter
5. The gift of work and employment
6. The gift of our nation and her freedom
7. The gift of God's grace, love and mercy

In the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November and many may identify this simply as a secular holiday. However, the origin of Thanksgiving Day is quite religious. Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and to express gratitude in general for all things.

Yes, good medicine for the soul and body (and mind) is to know when to press ahead in daily endeavors and responsibilities, and when to strategically slow down and give thanks! Life truly is about being well-balanced.

During this Season of Thanks, which is quickly approaching, may we gather around the dinner table with family, friends and loved ones, and may we truly share our blessings and all that we are most thankful for!

As the Psalmist says it best in Psalm 107:1 (and I agree whole-heartedly), "O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good and His mercy endures forever."

Blessings to you and your family in this Season of Thanks.