When I think of Thanksgiving, the hymn "Now Thank We All Our God" rings in my ears. It's the "our God" part that hooks me. That one little word "our" so clearly identifies the shared sacredness of being human. 

The writer, Martin Rinkart, penned the hymn's words in the 1600s, when he was the sole surviving pastor in Eilenburg, Saxony, during a severe plague. As the story goes, this Lutheran clergyman was conducting 50 funerals a day at the time: In one year he led 4,000 services, including one for his wife.

It's hard to imagine finding inspiration to write words of thanks at such a time as that.

As we look forward to our groaning tables of turkey and stuffing, it's a good time to remember that, sometimes, faith calls us to look deeper into our lives for "thanks giving." Times get tough, but what can get us through is "our God," who promises steadfast comfort, healing and hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

As I fall asleep after a challenging day, I look for the blessings I missed: a word of support from a colleague; no snarled traffic on my way home; a friend who visits my hospitalized mother with me. Recalling these small gifts always comforts me with overflowing appreciation for the good things that fill my life.

So this Thanksgiving, look beyond the pumpkin pie, and list the small blessings that fill your life. What will those be?

Susan Gottshall
Associate Executive Director, Communications
American Baptist Home Mission Societies