What times in your life have you felt the most Thankful? Whether it was in gratitude toward what someone else had done for you, or a feeling of being blessed, or just thankful to be alive? For me, a few things come to mind. First are the moments I’ve experienced that are likely once in a lifetime moments…when I graduated High School and College, when I proposed to my wife and my wedding day, the moment my daughter was born, certain near death experiences, and when I was born again. Those were times when I felt grateful for what had happened, but at the same time, a little uncertain about what was to come as a result, as if I was entering a new phase in my life, as it was not the same as before. What were some life changing events that you have had that you are grateful for?
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
While its kind of ‘easy’ to be thankful for life changing events, the real blessing is being thankful for little things throughout each day. I often develop a sense of gratitude when I find all the groceries my wife puts on the list, when I get to all my appointments on time each day, when my kids get through an event acting halfway normal, when I can sit and reflect on how much I have been blessed in life despite the hardships. As Christians, it should permeate our lives and be evident not only to us, but to those around us. That’s not to say we don’t ever grumble or complain, but that should be much less than when we give thanks. Sometimes we may even sound like a reluctant child who says thank you out of obligation, but at least we do, and when we do it enough, we may at least be reminded. What little things that you experience each day bring about an attitude of appreciation in you?
Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1
To whom are you most grateful? To others for what they do for you, or how they make you feel? To God for the redemptive work he did for you in Christ? What about when things don’t go your way, whether little or big events? Can you still be thankful in those? Its not often our first reaction. When a diagnosis is not what you wanted to hear, when someone you care about makes bad choices or runs into trouble, when a loved one dies before you think they should have, when things are out of control, then its hard to find the good in anything. But then you also realize you are still here and have a chance for a better day tomorrow. You can always make the best of a bad situation when you realize others care for you. A little gratitude goes a long way to help you through each day. It helps us live and love others more fully as we go through life. May you find that gratitude that brings you joy every day!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Yours in Christ,
Clark
