For most people, Thanksgiving signals a time for resting and being around family, a time when we gather together and give thanks for the good things that God has done in our lives. But for tech directors this holiday can be just another reminder that the Christmas is coming at us full-speed. This is one of the most critical times in our year. It all comes down to this.
Focus on the positive
Sure, we want to slow down and give thanks, but we can already feel our task-list growing longer than a five-year old's Christmas wish list.
We start becoming anxious and we begin to complain instead of being thankful.
As we stuff ourselves with turkey and cranberry sauce we break out in cold sweats wondering if everything will be just right for all of our holiday events and gatherings. We start thinking about lighting scenes, video cues, and hoping that you can still find those pesky choir mics. We start becoming anxious and we begin to complain instead of being thankful. We slip into complaining about other staff members not giving us adequate notice to prepare something. We complain about the demands that are placed on us this time of the year. We complain about those crazy stores that open on Thanksgiving day. We complain about missing the 95% off iGadget sale on Black Friday. Then we complain that Christmas is too commercialized.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Want to know what God's will is for you? God's will is that you will be thankful. That you will be grateful to Him.
This verse encourages us to give thanks in everything. Not just the warm and fuzzy things, but everything. It certainly doesn't tell us to be stressed out and complain about everything. You may be facing the busiest Christmas season ever, but don't forget that God is still on the throne. He is still there calling you to have rest with Him. He is still worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.
You may be facing the busiest Christmas season ever, but don't forget that God is still on the throne.
We truly do have so much to be thankful for. But complaining is the exact opposite of being thankful. Instead of being grateful we choose to be discontent. Instead of voicing our thanks to God we voice the things we disapprove of.
Attitude of gratitude
There is a legend about the Pilgrims who came to North America in the 1620s. During their first winter in the New World there were days when each person was only allowed five kernels of corn to eat. That would certainly be something worth complaining about. But they didn't complain, they chose to continue to give thanks to God for his provision.
The next year they brought in a big harvest so they gathered for a great feast that came to become Thanksgiving. But before they ate they placed five kernels of corn on each plate to remind them of how God had been faithful to them since the previous year.
What are five things that you are truly grateful for? Not just the obvious stuff like homes, food, and Xbox, but the deeper things.
Even though this time of the year may be incredibly busy and at times even stressful, remember to respond with praise and thanksgiving.
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining and arguing.
There is the temptation to celebrate Thanksgiving one day and start complaining the very next day. Resist the urge. Take whatever you feel like complaining about and turn it into a time to thank God for the good things that He has done in your life and in your ministry.
[Editor's note: This piece was originally posted in November 2017.]
