Where is my heart this Thanksgiving?

 

(James Tissot, The Pharisee and The Tax Collector)

Is it with the tax collector, who sees his sin and falls on his knees before you? (Luke 18)

 

Is my heart with David, full of thanks and praise for your glory? (Psalm 100)

 

Is it stubborn and independent, ignoring God and others and searching only for comfort and distraction?  (Jeremiah 17)

 

Is it satisfied in my achievements, both material and spiritual? With gratitude yes, but looking down on those whose choices and achievements are less impressive?  (Luke 18)

 

Going off of Jesus’ leper story, my heart has a one in ten chance of actually showing thanks. Not good odds, which shows the core problem.  (Luke 17)

 

My heart cannot see you, God. It cannot seek you, it cannot hold you. For it is a stone. (Ezekiel 36)

 

Before I can thank you, before I can praise you without hypocrisy, I must know your miracle to make my heart flesh.