Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:1 ESV)

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am truly thankful because God is good. I am thankful because God’s love is steadfast and endures forever. I am thankful because I know these things from years of experience and a personal relationship with the Lord. I know this verse is truth.
On Sunday, I heard my son quote this verse. It brought back memories from 25 years ago when I first helped him learn this verse. It was one of the first verses he memorized in AWANA. He was 5 years old and in Sparks. He learned this verse quickly and easily, and he obviously still remembers it.
A couple of years later, I helped his brother memorize this verse. A couple of years after that my daughter learned it too. In my 17 years as an AWANA leader, I helped many children learn this verse. I taught it to them because I believe it. And I never forget it. I remember it too! We should give thanks. God is good.
Thinking back over the last 25 years since my son learned that verse, I am amazed at God’s love. I am blown away at how steadfast and consistent his love has been. I have gone through many tragedies and victories in that time. I have made friends and lost friends. I have lost family and been there when new life came into the world. Life has ups and downs, but there is one thing you can always count on. “God is good, and his steadfast love endures forever.”
Today I am thankful for the AWANA program and all that we learned through it. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve God. I am thankful for my family, especially my children. My heart is full of gratitude to God for the life he has given me, with the ups and downs. I am most thankful for God’s goodness and steadfast love.