Adjusting the Thermostat

It is that time of year, at least where I live, when a kaleidoscope of colors perched high in their lofty branches makes its final descent to the ground below, adorning the landscape with reds, yellows, oranges, and browns.

In short, the foliage and its magnificent array on the Artist’s palette have ended.

As the leaves fall, so do the temperatures. Daytime highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s, accompanied by a distinct chill in the air, soon yield to frosty nights hovering near the freezing mark.

To stay warm and cozy inside our homes, we rely on our heating units to spring into action.

A thermometer simply reports the room’s temperature, but a thermostat allows us to set the temperature to our desired level of comfort.

Adjusting the thermostat changes the internal environment.

We are also approaching the season when Thanksgiving Day (in the United States) is right around the corner. One of the customs we observe is to go around the Thanksgiving table and share something for which we are thankful.

Thinking about this tradition brought to mind a verse, and how fitting it is, not only on Thanksgiving Day but always:

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

Practicing this kind of gratitude can be like adjusting the thermostat, changing the internal environment for the better.

As I was pondering what to write for this post, I had the opportunity to meet my brother and his wife for lunch earlier this week. I suggested Gracie’s on West Main as our meeting place.

Besides the fantastic food and quality service, I enjoy the atmosphere as the walls are blackboards covered with verses and positive quotations.

Here are some of the messages that were located behind our table:

• “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers.”  -Walter Winchell

• “When asked if my cup is half full or half empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.” - Sam Lefkowitz

• “There’s always something to be thankful for.” - Anonymous

• “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”  - Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

These simple words, and others like them, adjusted my thermostat and changed the environment I carried within.

Much like the messages on the walls at the restaurant, in what ways might you adjust the thermostat in your world to convey thankfulness to God and transform the environment around you, even when your circumstances might suggest otherwise?