Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Give Thanks


With fall in full swing, I see daily reminders that the holiday season is upon us.  From the changing leaves to the cooler air to retail stores full of all things Christmas, there is no avoiding the fact that the holidays are here.    

There is a trend on Facebook using November as a month of “thankfulness”.  Each day marks a day to be thankful for something – anything – from food to family to blessings from God.  Even I have found myself using this month to find at least one thing for which to be thankful every day.  Some days, things pop in my head that seem pretty straightforward, yet other days I spend more time trying to think of just the right thing. 

The scriptures are full of verses that call us to this spirit of thankfulness – but here’s the thing.  It’s not just for the month of November.  Every day should be spent “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father” (Eph. 5:20 ESV).   As we approach the throne of our Heavenly Father in prayer, we are to “enter his gates with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 100:4 ESV). 

One of my favorite passages comes from I Thessalonians 5:16-18.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“ (ESV)  Everything that happens is exactly according to the plan of a Sovereign, loving God.  Why give thanks only during November?  What would happen if every day were spent finding one thing for which to be thankful – easy or hard?  How would our prayer life change?  How would our relationship with the Savior change?  What would become more important to us – things?  Or blessings? 

What are you thankful for today?

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