We Are Thankful

My 5th graders got into an argument this morning. The big debate was over whether God and Jesus were the same or different persons. Sometimes, I let students solve their own debates. Sometimes I intervene. Today, after a solid minute of debate, I intervened. I explained that in the Christian tradition, God is three parts: God the Father, or Creator; God the Son, or Jesus; and God the Holy Spirit, the part of God that is with us today. So. Yes. Both sides of the argument are correct. God and Jesus, in the Christian tradition, are both the same and different persons all at once.

And just why were we having a very abstract and difficult to understand theological discussion in 5th grade music class? Because we were talking about things and people for which we are thankful. One boy said that he was thankful for Jesus Christ because he died on the cross for our sins. Another boy said God. Another boy said God and Jesus. And there the debate began…

In less abstract and complicated answers, many of my students have said that they are thankful for: friends and family; food and water; shelter; clothes; life; and the ability to come to school to learn. One boy said that he was thankful for the time that he got to spend with his grandfather before he passed away. And another boy said that he was thankful for music. I almost cried at those two…

What about you, friend? What people and things are you thankful for this Thanksgiving Season?
And when was the last time you had to explain the sometimes difficult and abstract parts of your faith?

Dear God: Thank you. Thank you for being beyond human comprehension but still giving us the drive to seek and try to understand—even as children. Help us always to be grateful, especially this holiday season. It’s in your Name I pray—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.