Thanksgiving…a time to reflect, a time to be with the ones you love, and a time to give thanks for the many blessings in your life.
Have you ever thought about what Thanksgiving would be like without thankfulness? Wouldn't it be as lonely and meaningless as an empty table?
Although this a day set aside to focus on what we are thankful for, don’t let Thanksgiving be the only time you stop and consider the many ways you have been blessed. Make this a daily habit. Ephesians 5:20 tells us to give thanks “always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Give thanks always.
We all find it difficult to be thankful if we feel like we are in the midst of a storm. This is a skill that may even take practice.
Zig Ziegler said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
I certainly find that to be true. I have found that when I am mindful and take notice of the little things it becomes easier to recognize moments of joy, even when things around me don’t seem so joyful.
Ziglar used the word gratitude. This word means more than just being thankful. Gratitude is an emotion that comes from the depths of our hearts. It goes beyond saying a simple thank you. It is a way to express what words can’t always say.
Do you know that studies have shown that expressing gratitude can have a positive effect on your mental health? Showing gratitude can make a person more positive and it can reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
So I encourage you, as you go through your day today don’t rush through the many things that need to be done for your holiday get-together. Stop and take notice of the little things. Be mindful and be present in the moment. Don't let your holiday be like an empty table.
And as you make it a habit of recognizing these little moments, express your gratitude by serving others. Share in the blessings He has given you. In Matthew we read “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me (Matthew 25:37-40).”
I want to challenge you to do a gratitude activity, maybe a gratitude journal, to help you be more mindful of the things you are thankful for. Reading it on those days when you are down will help you remember and focus on good things. And who doesn’t need the extra positivity and stress relief that it may bring?
Journal prompt: What are you thankful for today? Count your blessings. How can you show your gratitude?
Lord, you have given me many blessings. Thank you Lord for all of the wonderful things in my life. Even when I am going through a tough situation, please let me see the good. Help me to do more than just say thank you,help me to find ways to express my gratitude. Amen
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