When I Think Of November Poem by Loyd C Taylor Sr

I don't know about you, but when November arrives, I think of Thanksgiving, and this causes me to think about giving thanks. Giving thanks always makes me more thankful.

When I think of giving thanks, I almost always think of my salvation and of the One who made it all possible, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul said, 'Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.' 2 Corinthians 9: 15

Where would we be, what would we do had it not been for Christ going to the cross and taking our place, dying for us?

For me, it brings comfort and peace to my soul just knowing that should I die and leave this world I will immediately find myself in the presence of God! The Apostle Paul made this clear in 2 Corinthians 5: 8, 'We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.'

When I think of giving thanks, I also think of Christ's church, the family of God. Some may have had a negative experience with church or churches, but for me, the positive turning point in my life came through the influence of church.

Speaking to one church in Colossians 1: 3, the Apostle Paul addressed the members with these words, 'We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you...'

Many times I find myself thinking something similar, for I am thankful to God for the little flock that I am a part of. I also know I should show and share my gratitude for it more often.

In His church I have the pleasure of getting to know people from all walks of life, people who have experienced varied situations and who have been brought up in different customs and backgrounds. When one comes to know Christ, then faith in Him becomes the common denominator and all become part of the family of God, which we call the church. Yes, His church is made up of different people from every corner of the world and all in between, which is such an amazing blessing. Praise God! When in church, it brings me great joy to look out upon a congregation and know that through faith in Jesus Christ we are all one family. The words to the favorite children's song comes to mind, 'Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight...'

Yes, Jesus loves us all regardless of our status in life, regardless of the color of our skin, no matter where we are or where we have been.

When I think of giving thanks, I think of my earthly family; my wife, children, grandchildren, etc. It is a great blessing to have a loving spouse who is a friend and companion. To have someone by my side who puts up with me and supports me. I am blessed to have children and siblings who in their own unique way cause such joy and happiness in my life. I am thankful for their hugs, the kisses, the warm smiles and sincere concern. Even now as I write, I can see their faces, I can feel their warm embraces.

When I think of giving thanks, I think of those true friends who are there for me. When I have a burden, they help me bear it. When I have a blessing, in true joy they help you to share it. Even now, the memories of these beautiful souls and their friendships are crowding my mind. So, I shall stop for I am becoming a little teary eyed.

I'm sure you also are thankful for many things and can identify with much of what I have expressed in this brief article. So, join me today in allowing a deep sense of gratitude to fill your soul. Tell someone today how thankful you are for them. Make sure you also thank God for making it all possible.

Back in 1674, Thomas Ken said it masterfully in that great hymn, 'Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow,
'Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.'

These are just a few things I think of when I think of November.

Happy giving of thanks for the rest of your life!

Author's notes:
These are just a few thoughts from a grateful heart.

Words of 'Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow' written by Thomas Ken,1674. These lyrics, sung as the Doxology in many churches, are actually the last verse of a longer hymn, Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun.

Scripture used are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.