“Loving God, Learning His Word, Living for Christ, Leading Others to do Likewise”

In All Things Give Thanks

Parenting is difficult and challenging. The burden and responsibility that goes with it can often rob us of our joy and thanksgiving that comes along with the opportunity we are given to shape a life. Don’t let that happen.

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20 (NLT)

True and sincere gratitude is shown on our face, our countenance, and our body language. As we experience this Thanksgiving season, may we use the opportunity to choose to have a “thankful” heart. The preparation of a meal so that we can gather with those we love is something we can choose to delight in. Don’t think of the holiday as a burden, but rather as an opportunity for great joy and “thanksgiving.” The verse above says in “all” things give thanks. There is a great commercial by Publix that has multiple generations eating, cleaning up and fellowshipping together with joy and laughter in their midst.

Choose to make memories that your children will take into their adult life. This holiday presents a beautiful opportunity given to us to make Thanksgiving all about the people we share it with. Being grateful is something that our children must “catch” from us. Being thankful was never intended to be linked to materialism or circumstances, but rather to the person of Jesus Christ and His Father Who sits on the throne of heaven. Psalm 47:8 (NLT): “God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.”

There is no level playing field in life other than God’s great throne of grace where He disperses His gifts upon mankind as He sees fit, all within the boundary of His perfect love. James 1:17 (NLT): “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

To raise children with the idea or expectation that life must be fair according to our ideal is setting them up to fail. Make your gratitude list, and choose to be a grateful person! Don’t hesitate to declare a love for the Thanksgiving holiday. Let your anticipation be one of excitement and joy and willingness to serve others. All these adjectives describe the heart of the person. The important gift and blessing of Thanksgiving is our relationship with the Lord and with each other. Don’t miss that. This Thanksgiving gives us great opportunity for tradition and for memories. Don’t let it pass by and please don’t make it all about “black Friday.”

“We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 75:1 (NLT)
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Anita Blake

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