Thanksgiving seems to come quicker each year. In just days we gather as family, friends, church families, and neighbors all over the United States to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving holiday. For many reasons, this is truly a wonderful time of the year.
This morning as I was reading and thinking, the thought hit me… It is Thanksgiving and I do not want to blow it or miss it!
As we talked last night as a family, I mentioned a local business. Everyone in my family essentially asked me, “Have you seen how busy it is?” That started a conversation about how the stores are absolutely packed. Black Friday sales have already started in many places. The press is on.
Don’t Be So Busy You Miss Also Being Grateful
In our rush, if we are not careful, we will run through the next few days without any thought for what we should truly be thankful.
Day-to-Day Living
God gives us so many blessings (Eccl 3:12-13).
Food
Drinks
Desserts
Jobs
Opportunities
Friends
Memories
Nature
Birds
Pets
Neighbors
Rain
Snow
Sunshine
Homes
…and on and on and on.
Spiritual Blessings
God also blesses us in Christ (Eph 1:3-14)!
Salvation
Sanctification
Adoption
In Christ
Accepted in the Beloved
Redemption
Forgiveness
Mercy
Grace
A People
An Inheritance
Sealed
A Future
His Presence
Take a Few Moments to Be Grateful This Weekend
Here are a few ideas to help you practice gratitude this weekend and up until Thanksgiving.
- Read a psalm each day and meditate on it
- Write down three people who have made a contribution in your life
- Write down three people you have had the privilege make a contribution in their life
- Write down three verses that speak of the love of Christ
- Write down three verses that remind you of your salvation
- Write down three verses that praise the character of God
- Write down three members of your church for which you are thankful
- Write down three memories for which you are thankful
After you write these down, review your list each day.
Now take time to pray through your list and be grateful for what you have written
Once you have taken a few minutes for this exercise, go back to your to-do list, continue your holiday planning, and then ask God to grant you a grateful spirit as you move toward Thanksgiving.
Have a great weekend!
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together