Some parts of the world are celebrating Thanksgiving this month, and others have a Thanksgiving or Harvest Celebration at other times of the year. But we all need to remind ourselves throughout the year, to thank the Lord. Why do we thank Him? One reason we thank the Lord is for making all living things and giving them a place in His creation. We thank Him for creating all things in a way that supports us while we are living on this earth and helps us make our way to heaven. Everything the Lord created is for the sake of people, because a heaven from the human race is the purpose of creation. Yet the Lord takes care to protect our freedom to choose heaven or hell, even as He tenderly cares for us and sustains His creation. Our happiness depends on freely choosing to acknowledge that everything is from the Lord and cooperating with Him in following the path to heaven.

One way we thank the Lord is by acknowledging-from our hearts-that the Lord alone is the source of creation. Another way to thank Him is by taking good care of what He has given us and using these natural gifts for their intended purposes. Each day we have many opportunities to thank the Lord by looking to Him and obeying His commandments. And, if we make full use of the natural and spiritual gifts He would give us, we will help the Lord with His goal for creation-perfecting a heaven from the human race.

We hope that focusing on "Thanksgiving for Creation" will help you reflect on the wonders of creation and the magnitude of the Lord's gifts to us.