A Thankful Heart

“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift….”  II Corinthians 9:15

There is always something for which to be thankful. That is the primary one.

Be thankful even for your struggles because they often cause you to stumble across your strength. Thanksgiving is not only a delightful holiday, but an admirable lifestyle. Make it the norm in your everyday life.

Often God does a special thing for us amid the normal blessings as a lasting reminder that we are always objects of His love. String those special things like pearls as a reminder of blessings to reflect on in challenging times.

We might follow the example of Robinson Crusoe. He was wrecked and on a lonely island, cut off from society, no clothes, no defense, and no one with whom to talk. We are often reminded he made a list. However, he actually made a list consisting of two columns headed good and evil. On the good side were such things as being cut off, but not drowning like the others; banished, but not starving; no clothes, but a warm climate; no defense, but no need for it; no companion, but all the necessities. He realized some things are a blessing and others a lesson.

Showing thankfulness is one of the simplest, but significant things we can do. It elevates all other attitudes. It can transform the most common of days.

Thanksgiving is the gardener that makes our spirit blossom.

We can show our gratitude to God by expressing our gratitude to others. Find in them, though it may be difficult, that which makes them praiseworthy and express it. If you freely express thanks to your friends, you will soon find you have more of them. Express thankfulness even if it is the smallest kind, it is better than the grandest intention unexpressed. A word of thanks can heal a wound that only compassion can heal.

As an exercise of thanks go outside at night and look up at the stars and let your mind wander into a galaxy of gratitude. You will find your mindset like that of the psalmist who wrote, “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” (Psalm 65:8)

In the book of Habakkuk is found this expression of a thankful heart in a lean time that is worth emulating, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Oh, give thanks.