A Spirit of Gratitude
As we think about Thanksgiving this year, so many emotions come into play. Some of us will spend time with our families, some of us will be missing those who we have lost during this past year and some of us will be visiting new places to celebrate this special day.
Wherever we spend the day and how we spend the day, isn’t it most important that we have a heart of gratitude and thankfulness for all our Lord has provided for us?
God’s provision starts out with sending His son, Jesus, to walk among our earth to teach about loving one another and caring for one another. Once his mission was complete, He chose to die on the cross in our place for our sins and was raised again so that we can be forgiven and spend eternity with Him. He didn’t go to Heaven without leaving His spirit behind who lives in each of us who have put our faith and trust in Him as our Savior.
Jesus gave us a new command as He was preparing His disciples for the events leading up to His death and resurrection. We read in John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love another. By this all will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Spending time with family and friends is such a tremendous opportunity to let your light shine with the love of Jesus.
A couple of things that might help us to do this:
-Start your day with a grateful heart. Be thankful for each day that God has given you not because life is easy or perfect or how you thought it would be but because you choose to be grateful for who God is and for all the blessings, He has bestowed upon you. Always remembering that “All things work for the good of those who are love Him and who have been called according to His purpose”. These words are found in Romans 8:28. Our purpose is to love one another as Christ has loved us.
-Pray for those ahead of time that you will be with on Thanksgiving Day and for opportunities to share Jesus’s love with them. Aspire to be the light at the table. “Be Joyful Always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18.
-As we start and end our day keeping focused on these things, we will be well on our way cultivating our spirits of gratitude and thanksgiving.
May your Thanksgiving Day be filled with blessings and hope.
NOM