When I was a child, there were times when I was guilty of complaining about something. My Mother would say to me, “George, be thankful for what you have.”
I was always thankful for what I had, however, sometimes I would forget to count my blessings.
How easy it is to forget that “Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” James 1:17.
Real Thanksgiving comes from the heart. If our heart is not right with God, our attitude may not express our gratitude as it should. As we approach the close of another year, Thanksgiving time is a good time to take inventory of our lives and ask ourselves some important questions, such as: Have I become bitter in my spirit? Am I carrying a grudge toward someone? Have I hurt someone with unkind words or deeds? Have I overlooked the needs of others? Have I become selfish?
These are only a few questions; I am sure there are others if we take time to think about them. If we answer with an honest and a sincere spirit and do our best with God’s help to improve them, our giving thanks will also improve.
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise, be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5.
My parents taught me early in my life to be thankful. They insisted, and often reminded me as a child to say, “Thank you.” My wife and I taught our children to do the same and now they are teaching their children the same.
Izaak Walton said, “God has two dwellings: one in heaven and the other in a meek and thankful heart.”
“O come let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” Psalm 95:1-2.
Thank you for reading Think About It! I hope it has been a blessing to you and your family. From our family to you and yours, may you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
THINK ABOUT IT!
