Kingdom Civics Figuring out how to be a good citizen in the Kingdom of God

Okay, so I am thankful for turkey.  And for family and friends and clothing and shelter and all the other beautiful, simple things for which I sincerely give thanks each Thanksgiving.

But this year, I am thankful for even more.

This year, I am thankful for a God who answers the prayers we have never even prayed, for a God who knows our dreams…even the ones that have never occurred to us.

I am thankful for a God who knows who we are, at our very core, because He made us.  And I am thankful that He works out our lives so that we can become more fully ourselves.

I am thankful that my life has a purpose…not just a big picture purpose, but an every day, every second purpose.  I’m thankful that meaning flows through our lives just as much as happiness, as pain, as peace, and as chaos do.

I am thankful, for probably the only time in my life, that I am not in control, and that God laughs at my plans.

I am thankful that home is not a place, but a group of people.

And most of all, I am thankful for the presence of the kingdom of God on this earth, a kingdom that transcends location and time.  I am thankful for my fellow citizens in that kingdom, who are also my family, my strength, and my comfort.  I am thankful for the depth of those bonds.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Are you thankful for anything new this year?