BE THANKFUL—IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!
Thanksgiving is coming soon and I’m excited about being with family. We only get together once or twice a year, so it is a special treat.
Thanksgiving is also a wonderful reminder to think of all the people in our lives who bless us in one way or another. I am thankful for:
- You, my Readers.
- Those of you who write to me and let me know how an article was encouraging or helpful in your walk with the Lord.
- Those of you who join one of the Spiritual Growth groups I offer a few times a year.
- Those of you who ask for one-on-one time, for counseling, coaching, or just to request prayer.
BUT let’s be honest! Thanksgiving can also be time where, instead of looking at our blessings, we focus on what makes us sad or disappointed rather than thankful.
Considering this, I wanted to share with you a previous article I wrote about Thanksgiving. I hope it is as encouraging second-time around as it was the first. Let me know!
Emotions are part of our humanity, poignantly expressed in Scripture. In Psalm 77, Asaph wrote of crying out to God in his distress, wondering where God was, and if he was forgotten forever. But he didn’t stay stuck emotionally. Instead, he pivoted from focusing on his pain and recalled the powerful deeds of God (10-15).
If you’re struggling with depressing thoughts as the holiday season begins, let me encourage you to do the same. Look back, get a notebook, journal, or even the back of a nearby envelope and write down the following.
- List the powerful acts of God in YOUR life. Marvel at His grace. Let tears of gratitude flow.
- LIST the nicest things others have done for you. Include however many people you remember.
- What FEELINGS did you have when this happened? Try and use several descriptive words.
- What THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS, or MEMORIES did these acts of kindness stir up?
When the apostle Paul finished his letter to the Romans, he remembered and recorded what people did for him. His long list flowed from a heart spilling over with thankfulness and his example especially fits this season of the year (Romans 16).
Want to show your gratitude to others, and to God, for caring about you? Here are three ways to do it:
- Start a list of people you thank God for. Add to it each day until Thanksgiving.
- Use your growing list to pray, thanking God for their part in your life.
- Between Thanksgiving and Christmas buy some meaningful Christmas cards. Write a note expressing your gratitude for some specific way they blessed you.
Do these three things and watch your heart swell with warm, thankful memories throughout the holidays.
Qu. What is the most recent blessing that you are thanking God for? I’d love to share your joy. You can let me know HERE.
Joy to You,
Poppy