Autumn has been my favorite season for quite a while – especially since my family and I relocated to the east coast. I am not sure if it’s the brilliant colors, or the cooler temperatures in the morning and evening verses the moderate sunshine in the day that attracts me the most. 
Perhaps it’s the excitement of the children returning back to school or the seemingly slower pace of life as the hustle and bustle of the summer months conclude. For my wife it is the opportunity to wear one her many pairs of fashionable boots and expensive coats. For most Americans, this time of year means football or soccer games every weekend. While some or all of these things have some appeal to you or I, there is definitely one thing this time of year brings that gets my attention – that is the season to say THANK YOU!
You may or may not know that the United States and Canada are the only two nations that observe Thanksgiving. And to that I say, “what a shame.” I won’t take the time to go into the history of this holiday. However, let me be one of the first to tell God, “Thank you,” and suggest you do the same. As I reflect on what God has done in my life, I can’t help but to say, “Thank you Lord!”
I have been blessed with an awesome family – a loving, loyal, sanctified, spirit-filled, wise and intelligent, and beautiful wife; four beautiful, obedient, saved, supportive and faithful daughters; a handsome, intelligent and spirit-filled son-in-law that has quickly become a real son to me; and an energetic, witty and bright grandson. If that isn’t enough, I was recently informed I am soon to have a granddaughter! I have been blessed to serve with an anointed, loving, supportive, vibrant and loyal church family. Day by day I marvel at the way God has and is molding us into a spirit-filled and powerful body of believers.
The Lord has blessed me with saved, Holy-Ghost filled parents – one of whom has been delivered and healed from dementia! I have an awesome pastor in Bishop Ted Thomas. I serve in the greatest Church in the world – the Church Of God In Christ! I live in the best country of the world – the United States of America. I could go on, but time and space would fail me. However this year, as the seasons change and a spirit of gratitude sweeps over me, I sense a special desire to thank God for favor. There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not walk out of my office, look around the sanctuary and pause to first ask God why He selected me. I then proceed to thank Him, because I cannot figure out why.
Several songs come to mind as I write this article – Kirk Franklin’s, It Could Have Been Me (with no shoes, no clothes and no food to eat). Or Walter Hawkins’, Thank You Lord for all You’ve Done For Me. This year I cannot help but to keep singing the lyrics of Andrae Crouch’s classic, My Tribute:
How can I say thanks, for the things You have done for me;
Things, so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love to me.
The voices of a million angels, could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the Glory, for the things He has done!
We have so much to be thankful for. I trust you will take a second, minute, hour, day or season and reflect on the Lord’s goodness and tell Him THANK YOU!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I bless you in the name of the Lord,
Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Pastor & Founder, Holiness Tabernacle COGIC