I’m sure you’ve heard, seen and perhaps even written on thankfulness, but have you really taken it to the next level? Have you taken a deeper look at your life so that you can count the blessings that have been bestowed upon you?
This year has been a whirlwind year for our family, and as we look back over it we can’t help but count our blessings. I felt God telling me to write about Thanksgiving not only because I’m writing this at Thanksgiving time, but also because God says in all things give thanks.
I don’t know if you’re a big Facebook user or not, but I can tell one consistent theme I saw throughout November was postings each day for something that person was thankful for that day. The idea was to post something every day for the month.
I considered posting myself but then decided why? Why just be thankful for 30 days? Why not be thankful for every day for the rest of my life? Why do we only think of thankfulness in the month of November?
Instead, I have a new challenge for you. As you approach this week, take each day and give thanks to our Lord for the simple things. Of course we are thankful for the big items and the obvious things like our home, car, family and friends, but can you recognize the little things?
To give you an example, I’ll start. Today I am thankful for leftovers so I didn’t have to cook; for my niece and nephew who were able to spend the night and a full day with us; for our Church, Catawba Heights Baptist Church, and the Hope Ministry who tonight remembered those whom we have lost. Those are just four off the top of my head!
I know this may sound trivial, but if you take the time to begin to write down your numerous blessings, answered prayers and gifts from God this year (or week, or day) you will be amazed. Even in the midst of adversity you should still find blessings and praise to our heavenly father.
We, including myself, seem to always be in “I need” mode. I need for my finances to work out, I need a job, I need a car, I need a pay raise, I need for my son or daughter to be healed, I need for my spouse to appreciate me — “I needs” can go on and on.
What we should be doing is first and foremost thanking our Lord for everything. Without the saving grace of our heavenly Father, we would have nothing.
I mentioned earlier the whirlwind of events that have happened this year. Our family would not have survived the year without the saving grace of our heavenly father, without the prayers of others, without strength He provided to us when we had none.
Thank you for allowing me to reflect on what Christ has done for me and continues to do for me. If you’d like to share your blessings feel free to leave a comment, email me, or find me on Facebook. I’m praying for each of you, that you will recognize the blessings that God has bestowed upon you. I pray that you will find joy in your days and that you will continue to give thanks each and every day.
