How to express gratitude this thanksgiving season.
First Thessalonians 5:16-18 declares, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Take just a minute to reflect on this simple verse. Do you want to know God's will for your life? It says right here that it is to "give thanks." This seems so simple, and yet so often, we don't take the time to stop long enough to thank God for all the things He's blessed us with-the things we deem to be "good" and even the things we might not like at the time.
If you're like me, you get caught up in your list of things to do or you worry about the things you want that you don't have. We often let our desires for things we wish we had overshadow the gratitude we should feel for the things we do have. As Thanksgiving approaches in just two short weeks, I find it only fitting to take a couple of minutes to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Here are a few easy ways you can express gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
Write a thank-you note.
This seems like the most obvious and yet, it's become a bit of a lost art these days. Take a few minutes to scribble a note of appreciation for something someone has done for you. If they have given you a gift, write them a quick note and let them know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness and generosity. If they have had a positive impact on your life, tell them what they mean to you.
Never underestimate the power of positive words. Slow down long enough to thank the people around you. It's amazing what a hand-written note can mean to someone. If they are like me, they'll save it and treasure it for a long time.
Keep a gratitude-Journal.
Make a list of all the things for which you are thankful. Your list can be short and sweet or it can be long and elaborate. Start by coming up with simple things, such as the sunshine on a pretty day or the roof over your head.
You can be as specific or as generic as you like, but take a couple of minutes to write down your thoughts.
Once you get going, it might be hard to stop. You can keep a running list and add one thing to it each day. Regardless of your approach, making a list of things for which you're thankful is an easy way to shift your perspective and remind you of how blessed you are.
Say a sentence prayer.
Before you dig into your Thanksgiving dinner, go around the room and ask each person to utter a simple sentence prayer of thanksgiving. Just one sentence that's it! A short and simple prayer is a great way to engage the entire family, even little kids.
In fact, if you ask me, kids can be the very best at this because they thank God for the things we often overlook or ignore as adults. I love the way kids talk to God and how they thank Him for things like bugs, flowers and keeping them safe from monsters. Let's take a page from the kids around us and thank God with a sentence prayer.
Pass the penny Jar.
How about a penny jar. After the turkey has been gobbled up, gather around the room and pass the penny jar from family member to family member. When it's your turn to hold the penny jar, you place a 2016 penny in the jar and share something for which you're thankful from the past year. You can share a sweet memory or how you've seen the Lord move over the last 12 months. It always is a treat to hear what those around you share.
Say "thanks."
When was the last time you thanked the people around you? Though our schedules are packed, it's important to take the time to thank the people around us for all the things they do. So many people have thankless jobs.
Take time to thank your mailman or garbage man. Thank the tired waiter or waitress who brings a meal to your table. Thank your child's selfless teacher for pouring their life into your little one. Just say "thanks." And if you're really feeling generous, consider giving a small gift to express your gratitude even more.
Above all else, be thankful for Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, we can live every single day with grateful hearts, knowing that We were given a gift that we can't ever repay. Be grateful for Jesus and let the overflow of that gratitude be shown to everyone around you this Thanksgiving season.
Pastor Paul Leavens - Christian Church in Lindsay