Are You Really Thankful?
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good.” [Psalm 100:4-5]
What are you doing for Thanksgiving? That seems to be the question of the week. Many of us gather with family or friends, eat way more than we should, watch football, and then eat more food and dessert! Years ago, it dawned on me that Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday of the year. As a foodie, this time of the year is music to my ears and my stomach! I look forward to the traditional Thanksgiving meal and all the wonderful trimmings my wife prepares. However, my appreciation for this special day runs deeper than that now.
What about you? Do you enjoy Thanksgiving? Or do you view it as another dreaded day that you have to “endure” family, hoping no one brings up any controversial topics such as politics, religion, or AI? Perhaps you have family traditions, such as listing things for which you are thankful. Maybe you go around the table sharing something for which you are grateful. But, are you still “thankful” on Black Friday? Is your grateful meter only programmed to register a reading on this one day of the year?
In the aforementioned passage, the psalmist David proclaims the joy he experiences whenever he enters into God’s temple. He enters with thanksgiving and praise. He affirmatively declares God’s amazing goodness.
During a six-month period (late 2021 through summer 2022), I experienced multiple life-threatening medical emergencies. Yet, here I am writing this blog every week. Think I am grateful and thankful? Absolutely! However, it is not just one day out of the year, it is every single day. I’m thankful for a heartbeat, for medical technology, for COVID-free lungs, and for fresh air and oxygen! Oh yes, God is good!
What about you? Do you see God as good, or do you blame Him for your difficult circumstances? Do you praise Him or curse Him? Are you grateful just one day out of the year because that’s what the calendar says, or do you have an “attitude of gratitude” every single day of the year?
Thanksgiving! It’s that “day” again. What is your choice going to be – one day a year or every day of the year?
