I was sending out a few e-cards to some family and friends this week when I came across one that really caught my eye. It was a Holy Spirit moment. I knew this was a God moment…when God was speaking directly to my heart. And so, here I am, writing, allowing the thoughts to flow from my heart to you via computer.
This particular card had a short message, but what an awesome message it was. Here’s what the card title said….Live a life of Thanksgiving. Just a few simple words, yet if we meditate on them, they could be life-changing. Let them minister to your heart as they did mine.
We have so many things to be thankful for. I try to have an attitude of praise and thanksgiving each day. In all honesty, there are times I fall short of the goal. When I find myself down or complaining, I try to get back to the basics by simply remembering all the good things God has done for me. For instance, I have a roof over my head, I am in good health, I have a wonderful husband and three healthy children. I have nine beautiful grandchildren, and numerous loving friends. If all that weren’t enough, I have a Heavenly Father who loves and gives….after all, he gave his ultimate gift, his Son. Why would I not wake every day in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving? Joy should radiate from my face if I am living a life of thanksgiving.
I have found that as I concentrate on God and his goodness , mercy and grace, not only does it put things into better perspective, it’s contagious. Joy births joy. A thankful heart flows over in everything we say or do. We can not be joyful people if we constantly murmur and complain.
This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks with a truly grateful heart. If need be, start a list of the things you have to be thankful for. And while you’re at it, remember our men and women in service. That should give you a place to start. Pray for them, give thanks for their unselfish giving.
With millions of people homeless this year, live that life of thanksgiving by serving. Why not serve in a soup kitchen? If that’s not possible, find a family to invite to your home, donate a dinner at a local restaurant for a truck driver who has to be away from family during Thanksgiving. More ideas? Invite the man or woman who lost their spouse and will be alone this season to join your family.
The opportunities are limitless if we simply take the time to look outside our own box. And what a wonderful way to teach our young people the joy of living a life of thanksgiving. Get them involved this season. Start a food drive, make a gift basket to take to the shut-ins.
We at Front Porch Inspirations would like to wish you abundant blessings, this Thanksgiving. And pray that your holiday season will be filled with joy, peace and a ‘Life of Thanksgiving.’
