God blesses you in large and small ways

I continue with a brief look at one way you can get into proper perspective the matters in your life through brief reflections on Psalm 23.

Verse 5 states, "You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. It is a time that many will gather as family and friends to enjoy a meal together, remembering the goodness and generosity of God.

When someone invites you to their home for dinner, what is one of your inner reactions? Usually, in my case, it is one of feeling honored for being invited. The invitation means the host is opening their home, their private space, and letting you in. It says the host feels you are worth their special attention and is willing to go out of their way to prepare a special meal, and to spend some special time with you.

And it doesn’t matter to them who may, or may not be at odds with you, or the frustrations you might be dealing with. The invitation is a way of saying, “You matter to me. Let me take care of you for a little while.”

God does the same thing. To him it doesn’t matter who your enemies might be — whether they be real persons or difficult situations with which you are dealing.

God shows his love for you in the face of those challenges and frustrations. He shows you honor by setting aside those matters and caring for you as though you were the only one at the moment for him to care for.

He blesses you by giving you exactly what you need when you need it. You simply need to open your eyes to recognize just how much he does care and provide for you.

God blesses you in so many, many ways. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, open your mind and heart to reflect on the ways God has blessed you.

You will discover that there may have been a few “large” blessings. But you will also come to realize there were countless “small” blessings that have filled your life but may have gone completely unnoticed.

Give thanks with a grateful heart!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: God blesses you in large and small ways