A few years ago, there was a video of Fox’s audio technician, Bernie, getting crushed by the Minnesota Vikings as they rushed out of their tunnel before the game. This crazy scene could have turned out much worse, but thankfully Bernie was okay.
If he hadn’t gotten in the way and been forced to the ground, many of us would never have heard of Bernie or taken notice of the role he plays for the NFL.
But with Thanksgiving in mind, I’m grateful for guys like Bernie who enable me to turn on games each week and hear the sounds from big hits, the crowd, and the sidelines. His hard work allows me to enjoy the full scope of a football game.
Unfortunately, his job on football Sundays is a thankless one just like it is for so many others. We rarely consider the number of people who are involved in pulling off a game - both on TV and at the stadium.
From pulling cords to handing out hot dogs to sweeping the aisles to designing the video graphics, there are many people who go unnoticed and are unappreciated, but their contributions each play a part in the overall experience.
As I consider all of the little things that make sports and life great, and the number of people behind the scenes who truly make a difference in both, I realize we should be much more aware and thankful for the "sound guys" of the world.
If we’re honest with ourselves, however, we probably don’t think much about them. We are more likely to be ungrateful and entitled, with minimal understanding of how the little things and the efforts of those out of the spotlight make our lives better.
So today, let’s be challenged to consider every blessing as we celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend with our family and friends. Can we choose to be appreciative of everything, instead of believing we deserve everything?
I’m thankful for my wife, my new daughter, my family, my house, and most importantly, Jesus. As I write this devotional, I also desire to be appreciative of things like a cordless mouse and keyboard, a monitor, and a quiet office. I'm also thankful for the cleaning crew that takes my trash out and the people that set up the heating system in our building.
As we continue to reflect on Thanksgiving, let’s be inspired to memorize Ephesians 5:20 (NLT): “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God is the source of life and every blessing comes from Him – the ones we notice and the ones we don’t. As we open our eyes and hearts to be more aware of the little things that make life so wonderful, let’s give thanks to God for everything.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I take little things and certain people for granted. Help me be alert to how blessed I truly am. I’m deeply grateful to know Jesus and to experience so many good gifts each day. Please give me a thankful heart and opened eyes. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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