This is the month when many friends and families will gather around a table, share a meal, and perhaps take a moment to go around the table and share one thing they are thankful for. For some of them, it may be the first time they’ve expressed gratitude since last Thanksgiving Day.
The two most powerful words in any language are “thank you.” Maybe it’s just me, but it sure seems like I’m hearing those words, less and less the older I get. I remember a time when purchasing something at a retail store meant the last words you would hear after you checked out were, “Thank you.”
Now, most of the time, if available, I’ll just check myself out. On those occasions, just to make myself feel better, I’ll whisper, “Thank you,” as I walk away.
Even when I use another human to check out, there is very little eye contact and even less conversation. But very seldom do I hear, “Thank you.”
George Washington was the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday in 1789. Then, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to officially fall on the last Thursday of November, and the holiday was celebrated nationally.
While I’m thankful that we still remember and honor this holiday, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we embraced a lifestyle of living thankfully each day and focused more on what we have, than what we don’t have.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to share some time with your family, or maybe some special friends, during this season, be thankful. Some of you have had a tough year, but be thankful. Things may not have turned out as you had hoped, be thankful. For some, you may have an empty chair, or chairs, at your gathering, but be thankful.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy
Life is not always fair, but God is always good. Life is not always happy, but God is always good. Life does not always give us what we want, but God is always good.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4
What if we counted our blessings instead of our burdens?
What if every day was a day of thanksgiving?
If given the option, choose thankfulness. It’s your choice. Choose wisely, and find something every day to express your gratitude for.
In the coming year, I challenge you to go beyond Thanksgiving and embrace a lifestyle of “thanks living.” I challenge you to say “thank you” to God and to someone else every day. Don’t wait for the fourth Thursday of November to say, “Thank you.”
An attitude of gratitude will always lift your altitude.
Still Believing!
