Thanksgiving for a Change

Have you ever given someone a very special gift, something that meant a lot to you, only to have the recipient take your thoughtfulness for granted? He or she may have thrown away your gift, or worse yet, laughed at it. This person revealed a heart of ingratitude and selfishness.

We have all been on both sides of this story, being the giver at times and the ungracious recipient at others. Whether or not we want to admit it, we all struggle with maintaining a heart of gratefulness. Let’s face it; it’s much easier to focus on what we don’t have, rather than being thankful for what we do have. A thankful heart develops over time as we consciously choose to flex the muscles of gratitude. Here are three practical ways to tone up those muscles.

Count your blessings
I once heard about a man who decided that on a certain Monday morning he was going to count every blessing he could think of. He awoke thanking God for the new day of life. He thanked God for his teeth as he brushed them, his silverware as he ate breakfast, and his family as he looked across the table at them. He thanked God for the conveniences he had in his home, the car he drove, his eyes to see, his food to eat, his taste buds to enhance, and his stomach to digest. You get the picture. On and on he went counting his blessings. He understood that everything he touched was a gift. Everything he owned was a gift. God gave every breath he took. As the day ended with him thanking God for his bed, pillow and nightclothes, he realized that he had only just begun. He couldn’t begin to count all of the blessings he saw in just one single day.

What about you? If you listed the blessings in your life, how many could you think of? Are you more likely to notice blessings or take them for granted? For example, the majority of the world’s population would see your bed, probably covered with a comforter and pillows, as a precious luxury. Tonight millions will sleep on a cot at best, or will make their beds on a hard floor. They fall asleep in a country where freedom of religion is only a dream. They awake to the very real threat of starvation and disease. Ask God to open your eyes to the blessings you take for granted.

Express gratitude
Is there someone in your life you have never thanked for a kindness they’ve shown you? You’ve never said the simple words “thank you.” Maybe he or she was your cheerleader in a time when you desperately needed encouragement. Maybe someone offered a listening ear. You might simply need to thank a parent who, although not perfect, has loved you unconditionally, in spite of the fact that you aren’t perfect either. Do you take your family for granted? Have you ever thanked them for the way they love and support you? Make it a point to say thank you today.

Then spend some time with your Heavenly Father expressing gratitude to Him. Thank Him for His unending, immeasurable love, for His intimate interest in your life… for whatever comes to mind. You might want to sing Him a song of gratefulness. Maybe you will write Him a letter of gratefulness. Be as creative as you want to be. During this time don’t ask for anything; simply offer Him a grateful heart. You will be amazed as your focus turns from inward to upward.

Reach out
Jesus told His disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8) A heart of gratefulness cannot help but give to others. We aren’t blessed so that we can hoard our blessings. Instead, we should be funnels through which God’s blessings flow to others. In this season when our nation is especially sensitive to God’s truth, how can you share with those in need? You may want to donate money, time or some of your personal belongings. Many in your city will go to bed hungry or cold tonight. There are some in your school who are outcasts, in need of a true friend. Still others have never heard about Jesus Christ’s love for them. Ask Him to lead you and give you creative ideas as you freely give. “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:42)

Written by: Whitney Prosperi; copyright virtuousreality.com