Take a long look at this photo. What are you thinking as you see the turtle on top of the fence post? ? As a means of bridging the gap between gratitude and Thanksgiving and Advent and Christmas, I want to suggest an Advent practice.
Who are the persons who helped you along the way? Who are the ones who have been supporters, inspirers, encouragers, and have been your “cheerleaders” as you have journeyed through life?
Alex Haley, author of Roots, had a picture on his office wall of a turtle sitting on a fence post.
He said the picture was there to remind him of an important lesson: If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help getting there.
Haley said, “Every time I’m tempted to think, ‘Aren’t I marvelous? Look at all I’ve accomplished!’ I look at that picture and remember how this turtle — me — got up on that post.”
This is a good time of the year to take the time to say thank you to the ones who helped you make it to the top of the post.
Obviously, we begin by giving thanks to God for all that God has done!
But let’s not forget also to say thanks to those who play a part in bringing God’s goodness our way.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now… (Philippians 1:3-5)
Is there someone to whom you can say ‘thank you’ today through a note, card, text or call?
If you are one who has stopped sending Christmas cards, perhaps you could send notes of gratitude instead!
“Tis the season….to be grateful and generous in word and in deed!