A Reminder This Thanksgiving

Several years ago, my wife Julie and I formed a nonprofit to assist children escaping the horrors of sex trafficking. During one of our trips to the Philippines, I remember a huddled group of children hanging outside a small cafe. They were waiting for the garbage to be disposed so they could rummage through for food. I later found out they stayed as a group (or a pack, as they call it) for self preservation from abuse. They were anywhere from nine to twelve years old... children. 

The group I was traveling with went to a local fast food restaurant where they served rice cups and chicken. We bought a couple dozen and went back to serve the kids. I distinctively remember the look in their eyes... we saw eyes of innocence, eyes of joy, eyes of gratitude, and eyes of young children. One child said, "Thank God for you!" 

I've been fortunate to travel internationally to parts of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and vast countries in Europe. It always gives me perspective and wisdom seeing different cultures. I've learned that people are people and we all have basic needs. 

These needs include:

• Safety and security
• To be loved and to love others
• To feel valued and cherished

Here's my very simple reminder this Thanksgiving: Take time to thank God for his provisions for your life. Even the book of Ecclesiastes says, "It is God who gives us the ability to make wealth." Not me, not you, but God. 

This Thanksgiving, I thank God and I'm thankful for you!

– Steve