In order to have a grateful heart you must learn to be thankful for flawed people and imperfect gifts. Be grateful when your daughter helps set the table for Thanksgiving Day, even though she does it imperfectly. Be grateful when your son attempts to make his bed in the morning before school, even though he does it imperfectly. Be grateful for your spouse’s expression of affection, even if it is done in a way that you may not fully appreciate. Be grateful your body is responsive enough that you are able to get around, even if it is showing its age. Don’t postpone thankfulness. Just do it today, because a ‘grateful’ expression or act will lead to a ‘great-full’ feeling.
I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” This is a command to be obeyed, not a feeling in the gizzard! It calls for a decision, an act of the will, not an emotional response. It’s why we American Christians call this upcoming holiday Thanksgiving – not thanks feeling! Paul writes in Ephesians 5:14, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Every once in a while we do wake up. And when we do, what we sometimes wake up to is gratitude for the things we take for granted.
There are many positive spin-offs for us when we exercise our will by expressing thankfulness and appreciation for others. They will be attracted to us, because we all love to company with positive people. We will be lifted out of self-pity and negativism. Remember Debbie Boone’s big song, “You Light Up My Life?” This is the way others will feel about you if you are thankful for the flawed people and imperfect gifts in your life.
Pray with me… Father God, I pray for the self-discipline to give thanks in all circumstances… to wake up… to experience all the good you have for me and all I can do in the lives of others with my expressions of thankfulness. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Ken
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