A Grateful Heart
On the day which, for many, is merely an appetizer for the gift gorging season, it is good for us to truly think on the many gifts and miracles in our lives. Beyond the turkey, the football, the desserts, and the sofa, Thanksgiving should be about two things; Thanks and Giving.
The thing about this great holiday, which comes and goes all too quickly, is it offers us a moment to look across the table, the yard, the field, the living room or the kitchen, and notice the grace of God in our lives. As you find yourself today in the midst of family and friends, take note of the lives represented there and the bonds you have shared, even those which have been tested over the years. Give thanks, verbally and otherwise, to those you have shared life experiences with, and realize how fortunate you have been to be alive and to be engaged in the lives of others.
Husbands, notice, really notice your wife today as she works herself weary to prepare for her family and friends. Join her in the kitchen, put your arms around her, and let her know how truly thankful you are that she is there, and has been there, that she gives herself so freely to others, and that she makes life better for those around her. Wives, make your way to your husband today and express how grateful you are for his role in your life, his provision, help, friendship, strength, and leadership in your home. Don’t take each other for granted, actually give thanks, verbalize thanks, for the food being there, the kitchen to cook in, the home to eat in, the hands to prepare it, and the lives around you.
Use this day as a marker, if needed, to re-ignite the flame of gratefulness in your home and in your life. We go through too many days, weeks, months, and years neglecting the importance of expressing gratitude for others, even for the smallest gestures and gifts. It needs to be said, expressed, regularly. Its a characteristic which should define our lives. Gratitude unexpressed is thankfulness unknown, a hidden gift. In order for it to be seen it must be shared, offered. The expression of gratefulness is a testimony to our character, our humility, our understanding that its not all about us.
Look your kids, spouses, siblings, and friends in the eye today and convince them of their importance in your life. Embrace your kids in a way that wakes them up to the love you have for them. Call someone and give thanks for their place in your life. Text someone who may not have expected to even hear from you and enrich their day. Make it a day of giving, of yourself, your words, your emotions, your encouragement, your touch, your life. Walk across the room and tell that estranged family member how good it is to see them. Call that one the family has not seen in some time and let them know they are missed. Find a way to give of yourself amidst the feasting. Give with an uncommon sense of generosity today. Extend generous portions of grace. Serve up a pile of thankfulness. And make it a day to remember. Then live that way the next day, and the next, and the one after that, and keep it going.
In a culture so blessed its easy for us to become numb to the many gifts and privileges in our lives. We are so “more” driven, and comfort crazed, we tend to lose sight of how much we really have. And all too often, because we can be so self-centered, we rarely give thought to anything beyond our own shadow. This is a day which calls us to look beyond ourselves, and to look upward, to the One who has given us the abilities, means, and gumption which enables us to provide for ourselves and others. As we express thanks to those around us, may we, foremost, express profound gratefulness to our God above, who is matchless in loving-kindness, grace, patience, gentleness, forgiveness, and provision. Without Him none of us would exist, joy would be unknowable, beauty inexpressible, wonder indiscernible, and love untouchable. It is to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom we are supremely grateful.
Thanks be to God! Happy ThanksGiving.
Bruce Smith
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