Thankful for Abundance

November is a great time to slow down and reflect upon our blessings.  Many people in the world are without the most basic needs: shelter, water and food.  Comparatively, here in America we live in abundance.

There are three explanations of poverty that will increase our understanding.  First, general poverty deals with the inability to purchase what is needed because of income.  Second, extreme poverty involves acute deprivation of basic needs.  This is typically classified as someone who lives on less than $2.15 a day. Finally, multidimensional poverty is a broad perspective, which refers to people who have little or no access to healthcare, sanitation, education and clean water. 

A quote from World Vision states, “1.1 billion people, including 566 million children, live in multidimensional poverty accounting for just over 18% of the world’s population.”  

These eye-opening statistics are sobering. This year for thanksgiving, I encourage you to help provide a meal for someone in need.  Or give generously to a local food bank that will be serving a turkey dinner.  Another option is to be available to serve at an event.  Bring the entire family and allow your children to see how truly blessed they are.

In closing, Acts 20:35 is challenging and inspiring, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Have a beautiful, generous and love-filled Thanksgiving!