I read about a man named Butch who lives in a nursing home. Each morning, he wheels himself outside and down to the stoplight at a busy intersection nearby. There he sits in his wheelchair for hours, smiling and waving at cars, hollering a friendly “hello” to familiar faces driving by.
Know why Butch does that? Because he wakes up and makes a choice every day. He knows he can sit in his little room and think about all the things he wishes were different about his life. Or, he can get up, do what he’s still able to do, and find ways to give thanks for what he does have. A healthy mind. A way to get around. A wonderful ability to make people smile.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are reminded: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The challenge to live gratefully is for all of us. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can always find a reason to say, “Thank you” to the One who gives us every breath.
It’s important to remember that we aren’t being asked to give thanks for all circumstances – but to find ways to be grateful in the midst of them. When the car won’t start (Thank you, Lord, for the neighbor who helped me!) or the house is a wreck (Praise you, Lord, that we have a roof over our heads.) When our plans are interrupted, our job is stressful, our vacation is disappointing, our kids are whining: There is joy to be found, not only in the good times, but in the challenges too.
As autumn arrived, we heard those familiar reminders, “Give thanks,” “Be grateful,” and “Count your blessings.” We hosted celebrations, offered thankful prayers, and soon the fall wreaths and throw pillows were packed away for another year.
What if this year, we kept the gratitude going all season long?
Here are a few ways to help make that possible in our day-to-day lives:
Daily Reminders:
Jot down some reminders notes, wear a special necklace, light a candle or two – whatever reminds you to pause now and then amidst the daily grind to lift your heart in thanks.
Good Words:
Begin to pay more attention to the words you speak. Do complaints come out easily? Do you hear yourself lamenting about what “woulda, coulda, shoulda” happened? Challenge yourself to turn that grumbling into gratitude. Not only will it help you lighten up, but those around you will be inspired to do the same.
Countless Blessings:
Start your own list of everyday blessings. You may discover that in giving thanks for the life you already have, you’ll begin to live the life you’ve always wanted.
Shared Joys:
When our days are filled with grateful moments, our lives will shine with joy. Little by little, as we let go of negative thoughts and words and begin to focus on all the good God has placed in our lives right here, right now, the people around us will encounter the presence of Christ within us in beautiful, new ways.
In the end, that’s what living gratefully is all about. The joy we seek, the peace we hope for, the difference we want to make in this world – it all falls into place when our focus changes from our circumstances to our Creator, from what we wish we had to what we’ve already been given. That’s when “thanksgiving” becomes much more than a season; it becomes a vibrant way of life.
A THANKSGIVING PRAYER
Dear Father, in Your beautiful book of Psalms, chapter 103 and verse 17, You give us this wonderful promise, “From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.”
What better promise could we receive from You in the autumn of our lives than to see our children and children’s children blessed with Your love and righteousness?
We ask for Your hand of blessing on us as well. Bless us with strength to be there for those we love, and wisdom to know what to say to bring comfort, encouragement, and sometimes difficult truth.
We will need Your patience as we wait for Your perfect will and way in each of our loved one’s lives. We are so grateful, Lord God. Amen.
- Day Spring devotional
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Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15,17 NLT
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