“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1

It’s Thanksgiving week. Pam and I have been anticipating this week all year long. And the Benedict house is FULL.

The house is full. Every bed is claimed—and then some—with Josh and Alaina home from Germany, Amanda and Patrick up from Richmond, and Justin back from university at IUP. Little Chloe (our beagle) skitters in between a sea of legs and around suitcases, shoes, and the latest bags from yet another shopping excursion.

The house is full. Full of good smells wafting from the kitchen: pumpkin pies baking, turkey roasting, and old family recipes handwritten by loved ones from generations past. The pantry overflows with fruits and vegetables, while the refrigerator works overtime holding thawing turkeys, cartons of holiday eggnog, and the supplies needed for future delicious culinary creations.

The house is full. Bodies sprawl across couches and love seats, board games spread across the kitchen table, and the hum of conversation fills every room.

The house is full. Full of laughter and banter, casual conversations, and deep discussions, as family members catch up on months of being apart. Zoom calls have their place, but nothing compares to being face-to-face and seeing smiles in real time and hearing laughter that fills the room.

The house is full. Full of warmth—not just from the two ovens in the kitchen, the gas stove, and the glowing fireplace, but the warmth of family bonds and the comfort of traditions carried on year after year.

And the house is full of Thanksgiving.

“Thanks for the meal, Mom.”
“Thanks for cooking dinner, Alaina.”
“Thanks for paying for breakfast, Dad.”

Each expression is not just a convention of politeness but a genuine response of gratitude for undeserved gifts received or gracious service rendered, both great and small.

“Thanks for the German chocolate.”
“Thanks for the Emma’s popcorn.”
“Thanks for setting the table.”
“Thanks for roasting the turkey, the gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and sausage stuffing.”

Each task is divided, and each person contributes something, offering it as a gift to the family. And those who receive these gifts respond in the only fitting way—with thanks.

 And that’s why we give thanks to God.

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). Our Creator God is a good Father, the originator of all things, and the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Everything we enjoy this week and all year long—family, food, warmth, laughter—ultimately comes from Him.

But what can we give to Him in return? He owns it all. There’s nothing we could offer that He hasn’t already provided. The only gift we can give Him is our thanks.

So, as we gather around full tables in full homes this Thanksgiving, let’s lift our eyes to the Giver of it all. Let our thanks flow from full hearts that recognize His goodness, His generosity, and His love. May our gratitude to one another remind us to offer our deepest thanks to our God from whom all blessings flow—far beyond what we could ever deserve.

 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1