Thanksgiving.  Giving thanks. 

Saying “thanks” happens all day long.  Someone opens the door. “Thanks.”  Love those boots. “Thanks.” Have a great day. “Thanks.”  Here’s your order. “Thanks.”

We become so accustomed to saying “Thanks” that we sometimes become desensitized to what we are really saying or feeling, especially at Thanksgiving.  We all share what we are “thankful” for.  Family. Friends. Health. Job. Our God and His many blessings.

And, I am sure we really are grateful.

This Thanksgiving, like many of you, I’ll be reflecting on God’s blessings this year.  A few of the highlights I am grateful for:  My oldest daughter got engaged this summer.  My youngest has been able to experience some normalcy during her senior year, being able to attend school in-person, cheer at football games and even be crowned Homecoming Queen. I’ve been writing more and completed an actual book proposal.  And, my family has been able to dodge the virus and have remained healthy.

 I am truly grateful.

But let’s face it, overall, 2020 has not been very gracious to us.  It’s been a tough year.  We are living in the midst of a deadly pandemic.  We just endured a nasty election. We witness hatred, criticism, and shame in our nation and in our closest circles. 

Personally, this has been the most demanding year I’ve had in my thirty years as an educator.  I am still grieving the loss of my dad.  My heart has been heavy as I’ve sat with and prayed for friends suffering through many different kinds of heartache. 

With evidence of brokenness everywhere we turn, is gratitude really at the top of our emotion list?  Or is it fear? Worry? Anxiety? Bitterness? Anger? Stress? 

Be careful of what is consuming you, for that is what will fill your heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

When my youngest, Hadley, was a wee thing, I’d ask her what was in her heart.  She would always answer, “Chicken!”  (That girl still loves her chicken!)  I’d have to remind her, “Isn’t Jesus in your heart, too?”  Do you need that reminder today as well?

Isn’t Jesus in your heart, too?

Because if Jesus is in your heart, then you know His promise remains today and forever.  How grateful are we that He has the last word!  He is in control, and it’s all going to be ok. He shows us this all the time.  We just have to clear all the other stuff (like the chicken) out of our hearts, so we can realize it. We know peace because our faith grows stronger each day that we focus on His goodness. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17

I believe bringing our attention to giving thanks has to be intentional.  I pray each morning for God to open my eyes to His goodness all day long.  It’s too easy to get overwhelmed with everything that is not going our way or let our thoughts be consumed with anxious thoughts for tomorrow.  When I think about the beautiful sunrise on the way to work or the way my students make me smile, how can I not be overwhelmed with His goodness?  Some days I have to work harder on this than other days, but it’s always there if I look for it! A perfect cup of coffee. A good news text.  A funny story. Hallmark Christmas movies. Perfect recess weather. A clean kitchen. An encouraging word from a friend. Hearing “I love you” from a loved one.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17

 If I fill my heart with my gratitude for these good and perfect gifts, I can be blessed with peace.  Even in the midst of the crazy of this world!  When I am filled with peace, I am more likely to share this peace, and live and love more like Jesus.   It’s not always easy.  God’s promise is not an easy life, but He has promised that He is there with us every step of the way, even in the storm.  So, let’s focus on His blessings, share His love, and let Him focus on the storm. 

In case you need these reminders today too, I’ll share the reinforcements that I keep close to my heart to help me stay centered.  

• Be grateful for all of His blessings, big and small.
• Look for evidence of His goodness. 
• Turn off the news and manage social media responsibly.
• Act with kindness and gentleness.
• And, know His love conquers all. 

I pray your heart is filled with gratitude as you fill your belly this Thanksgiving, and the peace that only God can give blesses you this holiday season.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”   Psalm 136:1