Winter came early this year, at least in my estimation. The weather system doesn’t have a calendar and obviously forgot to consult ours. Weeks before December 21, we have been shivering in frozen mornings and have even seen a light snow. Coupled with plans for a New York trip, this has me wrapped in thoughts of a warm coat. And a warm coat makes me think of gratitude.

Yes, Thanksgiving is upon us; so besides the cold, November also brings the wonderful time of families gathering, Mamas bustling around for favorite recipes and ingredients, or at least the memories of such times flooding our minds. I like to think I’m a grateful person all year, but this time of year just brings it out in double portion for us, doesn’t it? Candle holders that say ‘grateful’, cornucopia overflowing on tables, wall plaques reminding us to be thankful, all going to say, “we are blessed”. On the other hand, as the weather worsens, we are mindful of those with too little warmth, in heart or home. From those needing help with heating their homes to children without warm coats and gloves, our hearts are full of compassion and looking for ways to help.  I’m often negligent of using opportunities to give to others, and I promise to be more mindful in that. If you’re like me, you may say to yourself, “yes that’s a great charity”, or “sure, I want to contribute to that coat drive!”  I plan to follow-up on it, but can get distracted and let the opportunity slide by, hoping to catch the next one. Just DO IT next time (speaking to myself)! The needs are immediate!  I am sure thankful that God doesn’t get distracted in filling our needs!

“If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled’, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” James 2:15-16 NKJV

Warming the hearts, though, of those who are hurting, fearful, or without hope, poses a more difficult challenge. Those are the cold issues that a warm coat can’t cover. I wish I had a magic coat to warm them – Oh, wait a minute, as soon as I typed those words I knew – God does have! As long as we are able to understand and believe that Jesus came to fulfill God’s love (John 3:16); as long we understand that His resurrection shut the door on the chill of death; and as long as we believe in the eternal life we live through Christ – we can rest in the knowledge that all else is just fancy buttons on the coat. We can accessorize, stew over the color, weight and fabric, choose zipper, toggle or button, but it all boils down to a coat that is perfectly designed for our needs. And don’t even look at the price tag – He already paid it.

“He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4

As for selecting a coat for our upcoming trip, I’ve been told to make it long but lightweight; warm, but not too heavy. The long-range forecast says temperatures will be 30’s to 50’s, but who can tell weeks ahead? The several factors to consider such as color and fabric seem silly to someone without any coat at all, but when you’re headed into the unknown, you want the perfect covering. Like the love God covers us with – perfect, and complete. Yes, I’ll take His coat, and be content, because the future really is the unknown. The coat I take to NYC won’t be perfect, but as long as it’s warm, I’m covered. God’s coat for us however, IS perfect, woven with grace, mercy and protection. Our preacher said something this morning that puts problems into perspective. He said when we are stressed with any issue, ask ourselves first, does God still love me? Secondly, ask if in this situation I can still have a home in Heaven with God. What else matters?

In my suitcase I will pack warm clothes for layering and I’ll wear whatever coat I have. But in my heart, I’ll try to carry, year ’round, a coat of thanksgiving for the amazing  blessing of God’s love, and a love for sharing that blessing with others. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Trisha

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash