Did I Hear That Right?

This time of year we usually hear the same message of thankfulness. Around the Thanksgiving table you may even name one thing for which you are thankful. For most of us, we have hundreds, if not thousands, of things we are glad we have, from basic needs like food and shelter, to the wants such as the latest iPhone or car.

Now before you think this is another typical lesson, I want to tell you about Marvin, a man I met last Saturday while on Adopt-A-Block. As usual, I was walking around my site, Pueblos, which is a large housing project in South Central Los Angeles. This area is full of violence, gangs, and those in need. In addition to the danger and poverty, most of the residents, including families, live in units not much larger than a studio.

As I introduced myself to Marvin, he greeted me with a smile. I told him why we were in his community and what we do every week. During our conversation, we talked about God, and what He has done in both of our lives. At the time, our dialogue seemed normal to me; however, on the ride home, I was challenged by his attitude. Throughout our talk, Marvin’s focus was on thankfulness for what God has given him. Furthermore, as I was getting ready to leave, I asked if he would like prayer for anything, his answer – to remain thankful.

As I said earlier, the conversation and prayer request seemed ordinary at the time; yet, as the bus was leaving Pueblos, I saw three police cars and two men getting arrested a few blocks from Marvin’s unit. I thought how can this man be so thankful, much less thankful at all? Although he lacked what most, including myself, view as important and necessary, such as material possessions (big screen tv, car, ect.) or success (money, power, ect.), his focus was on thankfulness for what God has given him: salvation, peace, and love.

With all the blessings in my life, I rarely take the time to thank God for His provision. I cannot imagine how little thanks I would feel toward God if my life was as hard as Marvin’s. I am beginning to realize the greatest things in life are not necessarily the things I can achieve or work toward. Instead, like Marvin, I need to appreciate the things in life that really matter.

Jesus, in Luke 12:48, says, “To whom much is given, from him much is required.” I encourage you to take time to thank God for His faithfulness and provision, whether tangible or intangible, and use what He has blessed you with to help others.

- Jesse