Make Thanksgiving a Day of Gratitude

For the average American, Thanksgiving is a day of feasting on turkey and pumpkin pie. Then others choose to be absorbed in football, completely forgetting what the day is all about. For some it is the day before “Black Friday” when they can’t wait to be the first in line early the next morning to get the latest craze for Christmas. Where has the purpose of Thanksgiving gone?

We should not allow football, feasting, and even family gatherings to be more of a priority than simply being thankful.

It has been a difficult year for many Americans to be truly thankful. There has been terrorism and destructive weather along with religious persecution, moral and spiritual decline, and political and social chaos. Even with this there is much for which to be thankful. Here are some things to focus on this Thanksgiving.

1. Be thankful that you have a job, a home to live in, a car, water to drink, food to eat, hot and cold running water, and heat in your house. Some people do not have these things. Take nothing for granted.

2. Express your appreciation to others, and not just for their accomplishments, but for just being them.

3. Show your thankfulness to our military by showing respect.

4. Be thankful to our law enforcement officers who are working so hard to protect you and your family, against the resistance of evil forces and cop bashers. When you see one, shake his or her hand in an expression of gratitude.

5. Be thankful to God, the giver of life itself, that you woke up every morning feeling rested and ready for another day.

6. Remember God’s grace and provision to you this past year. Can you name one specific way God has met your need, or that of your family?

Most important of all, be thankful that God was in control this past year, as he always is, even though at times it may not seem like it. Whatever it is that you may have gone through God loves you.

In the midst of football, feasting, and family gatherings, take a moment to stop and be thankful. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus”(I Thess. 5:18).