Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:19-20).

It’s time for a holiday.

I’m thinking Thanksgiving.

Look, I know it’s the middle of July, but whaddaya say? We’ll keep it simple. Forget the big meal–it’s too hot to be in the kitchen anyway. Don’t worry about setting a fancy table or driving out to Grandma’s house or dressing the kids up in racially insensitive costumes that perpetuate stereotypes and appropriate the culture of subjugated indigenous people groups. Let’s just do the part where we actually give thanks.

As you go through your day, make a  point of noticing the blessings in your life.  Chances are there are more of them than you think. Point them out to the people around you and praise God together.  Pick your favorite worship song and get it stuck in your head. In short, fill yourself with life and light today, and give a shout out to the One who knows you completely and somehow loves you anyway.

And if you want to eat a turkey sandwich and wear shoes with a buckle, who am I to stop you?

Happy Thursday, Beloved.