Thanksgiving – Having everything yet having nothing at all

Matthew 11:28-30 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

It has been another successful but trying harvest in Western Minnesota.  In Renville County, 25% of the sugar beets had to be left in the ground.  No matter the problems, blessings and “good harvest”, it is hard for a farmer to leave crop in the field.  The thought of it wearies us in the midst of plenty.

As we gather for Thanksgiving, the table may have the biggest turkey, the best potatoes and the sweetest pie.  Yes, it is a good year.   If for a moment pride fills our heart at “our” accomplishments, we would do well to pause awhile.  Jesus came to the world (Advent), went to the cross and rose from the dead (Easter) so we could give Him our burdens, weary bodies, pain and nagging fears.

Yes, He says in Matthew 11:29 that we can “find rest for our souls.”  What is rest for our souls?  It is peace with God through Christ, assurance of faith in Christ, and hope for tomorrow.  It is all a gift and it is all in His hands.  He has blessed us.  He has.

But even if we have the largest family gathering in town, the largest turkey and the sweetest pies but if we do not have internal peace with God and ourselves, or in Jesus’ words, “rest for our weary souls.”  You know what we have?  We have nothing!