And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
An old English preacher once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind.” He was speaking directly to those of us who sometimes forget that gratitude is an attitude, and that it’s a discipline we develop. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for”.
Life in general has a habit of overwhelming us, and more often than not, the last thing we feel like doing on our “down days” is giving thanks and feeling gratitude toward God. Nancy Leigh DeMoss puts it best when she says, “Unless you just love the way duty feels when it wakes you at three in the morning, or hijacks your plans for your day off, or hands you an unexpected bill that wasn’t in the budget, don’t try living the Christian life without gratitude.
There are some years where we say to ourselves, “Things couldn’t possibly get any worse”, and then they do. Well meaning people are heard to say things like “keep your chin up, things will get better, don’t worry”, but we can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. We endure hardships, loss of loved ones, disappointments in others, and even loss of trust in God. Then, we pick up our Bible and read, “Always be joyful, always keep praying, no matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will to those who belong to Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and we realize that God brings life out of broken things.
Our perception of our situation must change from woe is me to thank you, God. We have to keep our eye on the donut and not the hole. We must focus on what we have and not what we don’t have. True Christ centered gratitude takes life’s most difficult situations and moments and transforms us from overwhelmed strugglers into triumphant conquerors. Amy Weatherly said, Perception is a key component to gratitude and gratitude is a key component to joy.
Keeping these thoughts in mind, the best exercise is to make a list of those people and things which fill your heart with gratitude. We need to show our thankfulness for people and all they do for us, not only in trying times, but in all times. This exercise will change our perception of gratitude into an acknowledgement that every good gift comes from God and that we are recipients of His grace in so many ways.
Years ago, Randy began a Thanksgiving service at the church where people could come, get the microphone, and share with the group the things for which they were thankful! It was oftentimes the most touching of services as we celebrated thankful hearts.
In honor of this tradition and in order to express gratitude to God, here are a few of mine.
I am thankful for two feet on the floor every morning. I am thankful for Randy and the way he loves me, his family, and his God. I am thankful for a family who pulls together. I am thankful for friends who are there no matter the situation. I am thankful for our church friends and faith. I am thankful for my small group of supportive friends. I am thankful for Reel Rollers and Schmoo Pies, and all the folks who support them. I am thankful for people who say, “I surely do miss you guys! I am thankful for our children, their spouses, and our grandsons! I am thankful for Rocco and his sweet personality and love. I am thankful for our extended family of sisters, brothers in law, and cousins who are rich in love and devotion. I am thankful for warm winter fires with friends and family gathered there. I am thankful for the opportunity to watch our grandsons play ball! I am thankful that I was raised in a small town where everyone knew and loved each other. I am thankful for America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am thankful for family vacations that begin with the words, “let the adventure begin!” I am thankful for a God who has richly blessed us.
The question is “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me?” Gratitude is the answer. Happy Thanksgiving!
Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices. Who wondrous things hath done, In Whom this world rejoices. Who from our Mother’s arms Hath blessed us on our way. With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today. Hymn is Now thank We All Our God written by Martin Rinkart