Their responses may seem typical to the ears of most Americans around this holiday, but there is a deeper weight to these children’s gratitude. This thankfulness comes from a different place because most of these children have been without food to eat, clothes to wear, or adults to watch over them. They can literally say, “Thank You!” to the Lord out of sincere hearts because they remember the faithfulness of God, even when they did not see His material blessings.
Some of the most precious times the HLF staff has with the children are at night when they are being tucked into bed. The staff will always have a devotional or prayer time with the children before they go to sleep, and this often brings about questions and sweet, meaningful conversations. These touching stories are called “Tuck-In Testimonies”, and Uncle Aaron briefly shares one below:
The night before Thanksgiving, the boys were in bed and asking me about our plans for the following day. Their questions led into a 45-minute game of charades of me trying to explain what Thanksgiving was about and why we do it. (Since the boys are still learning English, a game of charades at night attempting to explain the next day’s activities is not uncommon.)
The day before I was reflecting on all that the Lord has blessed us with in our lives. I was led to share a bit of this to the boys, mostly reminding them of what the Lord has done, even just to bring them here to the United States. They seemed to really be moved by the realization of what our Heavenly Father’s nature is. Only by the grace of God were they able to understand my feeble attempt at communicating why these blessings are given to us: for the sake of our King and for the furthering of the Kingdom. The boys’ demeanor changed to one of great joy and thankfulness in the little things. My prayer is that we will not forget our Lord for even a moment as we travel and worship our Heavenly Father.
I was reminded of the following verses:
When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you--a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant--then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 6:10-13 (NIV)
As we enjoy God’s love and the richness of His blessings on our lives during this Christmas season, may we remember the Lord at all times, for it is truly from Him that all good things flow!
