Thanksgiving Gratefulness
11/18/2017 ..
Have you ever been grateful for something? An umbrella on a rainy day? A dollar for coffee? Someone holding the door open for you? Or how about something deeper and more intrinsic to your soul?
The realization someone cared so much for me that there was a sacrifice on my behalf, though hard to grasp, is something I’m grateful for. I get so wrapped up in my tiny little world I forget to show gratitude to Jesus who died for me. Because he physically is not here on earth, it’s hard to imagine how I can show my gratitude to Jesus. I know that all he wants is my heart.
I’m also thankful for friendship. I remember when my grandmother lay in a hospital bed, my friend drove to the hospital and met me at the curb outside. She dropped off my favorite cold drink and a bag of magazines. I was so grateful for that simple act. It has stayed with me. The fact that she thought of me, going out of her way to do something kind, fills me with gratitude.
As we consider the many ways we can show gratitude, let’s focus on the day we have marked on our calendars to celebrate all we are thankful for. Thanksgiving Day is a great time to share what we’re grateful for as we gather around the table with our loved ones. Even if it’s one thing we are grateful for, sharing it with our closest friends and family should be an annual tradition. Though sometimes we miss out on small blessings when get caught up in complaining and grumbling. But when we look out into the world and see people with so much less than us, we realize how much we have to be thankful for in our little town.
In addition to expressing a thankful heart, God tells us in Hebrews 12:28, “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” This verse tells us we show our gratitude by looking out into our community for ways to share our gratitude with others in practical ways. Serving at the food kitchen for Thanksgiving is on my list of to-dos.
Another thing on my list is opening my home to military families stationed nearby, who don’t have a home to go to for Thanksgiving. I want to be the hands of Jesus, showing them how grateful I am for their service and how grateful God is for them. This desire to serve comes from being grateful to Jesus for the life he’s given me.
God says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others what you would want them to do to you.” That’s what my friend did for me at the hospital that day, and it’s what life is all about—loving others—isn’t it? Because Jesus gives us his love, grace, Holy Spirit, and the ability to bless others with our actions and words, serving others becomes our focus.
I just want to encourage everyone to show gratitude daily. Also, let’s make it a point to share with others this Thanksgiving, and sharing our grateful hearts at the Thanksgiving table is the perfect place to start! And, of course, be a blessing to others, as Jesus so richly blesses us.