“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It’s that time of year again, pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, sweaters, pumpkin’s on sweaters—not to mention pilgrim’s and family traditions. It’s that time of year when we tell our families and friends of what we are most thankful. For most of us, we have a lot to be thankful. However, there are some who don’t have much. Even in the hard times we should be able to look around, find something, and be found thankful.
Certain songs help to remind me of topics I find important. One such song comes to mind. Growing up I would hear this song all the time and not just during the Thanksgiving holiday:
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
According to this song we have something to be thankful for even when we’re weak, poor, or lack the confidence it takes to see our own thanksgiving. Thankfulness takes effort. That is why we “give” thanks to God. That is also why we “give” thanks to others. When you think about it, if you are truly thankful for something then showing gratitude to someone is the next step. Gratitude takes effort and for some it might take more effort than others. What are some ways that we show gratitude to others?
- Send a thank you card.
- Buy a gift
- Offer to babysit
- Offer to help them do something
Turnabout is fair play. Part of this could be culture to not want to owe someone anything, but it could also be a genuineness to show someone gratitude for the effort they first displayed on our behalf. Thanksgiving got its start at the end of harvest when the harvesters gave thanks for an abundant harvest. In Christian circles, we give thanks to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins that we no longer have to live a life separated from him; instead, we can live a life in union with him.
As you go through this week and get to spend time with your families take time to remember what you are thankful for and how you can best show your gratitude.
Peace, love, and Christ because you know He died for you! What are you most thankful for?
BeautifulHarvest 