Time For, or Of, Thanksgiving?

Two Angels

"Two angels, so the legend ran, came to earth as day began. One carried a basket deep and wide, the other, a small one by his side.

Then spoke one of the heavenly pair: 'Oh, but this world is wondrously fair! If it were not for heaven, I'd be content to dwell on earth, beneath the firmament. My basket is large. I'll soon begin to gather people's thanks, and pack them in.'

Said the other, 'I'll help you. When I get done, I'm to gather their wants in this little one, and the sighs and murmurs of those who pout. Oh, but it's large enough without a doubt. God's bounties are scattered on every side — you'll need your basket deep and wide.'

Away they sped, and as darkness came, they met again — but not the same. Both were weary, both were sad; they'd found so little to make them glad.

Said he with the basket wide and deep, 'My heart is heavy, it makes me weep. Look in my basket — you'll discover, the thanksgiving scarcely the bottom cover.'

'While I,' said the other, 'have made three trips with the wants and complaints from people's lips.'

So, imagine that two angels are following you around, day by day. Are both baskets being utilized? Surely, we need to come before God with our petitions and supplications. But do we equally, or more often, come before God with praise and thanksgiving for the wonders of God’s loving presence and provision?

Think about how you might utilize two baskets at your Thanksgiving celebration this year. How might you do that in your home? How might we do that as a church?

I am going to leave two baskets on the Communion Table in the sanctuary — one for petitions and supplications (prayers for your own needs and prayers for others). The other will be a basket for praise and thanksgiving. Please leave your small notes inside these baskets without your name, and I will be lifting your prayers to God during worship in the Prayers of the People time.

Let us make sure that both of these angels are keeping themselves busy with us — but surely the one with the deep and wide basket of thanks should be the busiest!

Happy Fall and Happy Thanksgiving!

I am deeply thankful for each and all of you here at Sneads Ferry Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Dr. Steve Fitzgerald

"Two Angels," Ardmore Daily Ardmoreite (November 25, 1964), pg. 4