Thankful

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His loving kindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His loving kindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His

loving kindness is everlasting.

Psalm 136:1-4

 

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For me it’s a day of celebrating how thankful I am for those I love and who love me back. I am thankful for so many things on a daily basis, but this one very special day we have an opportunity as a nation to all give thanks in unison. Just think, on this one day, millions of people gather together to intentionally show gratitude for blessings and love.

I realize for many this is a day of simply gorging on turkey with all the trimmings and watching football. I like that part too, but as a Christ follower, Thanksgiving Day has become so much more.

When I was a child, I did not know to thank God for my blessings. I did not understand it was God the pilgrims were thanking for the feast before them. In my young mind it was simply a day of food, football and two extra days away from School. When I became a Christian and learned that all things are from God, the Father of all creation, Thanksgiving Day became more about focusing on gratitude for my blessings and making sure those I love know just how much they mean to me. Though I do my best to show gratitude to God and those I love often, Thanksgiving Day makes it all the more pronounced especially when the day is shared with other grateful hearts.

Being fully aware of many who may not feel thankful for much of anything these days, I want to pause and remind us all that it’s okay to opt out for a short while. I, like you, have had my share of disappointments and tragedy. Times when life just doesn’t seem fair and times when I’d just as soon opt out of life and crawl in a hole than celebrate anything with anyone.

What gets me out of my hide away hole is in knowing the opt out period is only temporary as is the situation. Unfortunately, life is filled with ups and downs where we feel we have no control or say so in the outcome. I’m a fan of the ups and not so much of the downs.

If you are in a hide away hole of sorts right now and would rather eat a bologna sandwich all by yourself instead of feasting with others, may I encourage you to take a peak outside of your hole? Hey, I’m all for a bologna sandwich now and then, but I promise you will only hurt yourself and those who love you by avoiding a day of food, family and fun.

Before you get upset with me and stop reading, please give me just a moment more of your time. I ask you simply this; what do you have to be thankful for? Nothing you say? I don’t believe you. We all have many things to be thankful for even in the midst of despair. Make a list, yes a list. Who do you love? Who loves you? Do you have a warm bed to sleep in? Do you have food to eat? Do you have a roof over your head? You get the point. We all have something to be grateful for even if we can’t see beyond our sadness because of difficult circumstances. Hang on to the promises of God. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Now start your gratitude list. I promise it will make you feel better. As your list grows, so will your joy. Gratitude is one of the strongest medicines for curing an aching heart. Please try it. Not just today, but anytime you are feeling down, go back and re-read your list. Add to it from time to time. It’s amazing how it helps!

If you are living in peace and harmony right now, I thank God with you for a peaceful time. Please share this with those you know that may need some encouragement to look for blessings.

If you are struggling just to hang on one more day, I pray this becomes a bright spot in a dismal day. Please let me know by leaving a comment below how I may pray for you. It is my honor to do so.

Please take a moment and listen to this song. It’s one of my favorites. I promise it will fill you with gratitude and joy. After listening, start your list.

May the Lord of all creation bless you and yours abundantly today and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Father God, I thank You so very much for the blessings in my life. I pray each day I am not falling short in showing You just how thankful I am for Your constant love and direction. I pray Lord for those reading this that may be experiencing tragedy or difficulty in their lives. Please give them peace and comfort as You lead them through and see them safe to the other side of the storm. Please help them recall goodness and blessings the enemy of this world would rather they forget. Please bless our service men and women and keep them safe from harm. I love You more than words can say. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen.

In His embrace,

Toni

6 comments to Thankful

  • Marg  says:

    Awesome, my friend! Thank you for the words of your heart and the beautiful Word of God pouring down on all who read this. I am thankful for our friendship and the gifts you share.

    Love you,
    Marg

    • Toni  says:

      Thank you so much Marg for the encouraging words. Your friendship is a treasure! Love you!!

  • Sherry  says:

    Well – once again I got my ‘Toni fix’ for the day. Your words are always so uplifting to me. Thank you for your service to our Lord. Thank you for our friendship. Thank you for always being there – no matter what.
    Love,
    Sher

    • Toni  says:

      Thank you Sherry! Your encouragement lifts me up and helps me know I’m on the right track. Thank you so much!

  • Monica  says:

    Thank you for this encouraging reminder I am just now reading it on Saturday after Thanksgiving, I love the Lord but I am often battling depression, especially when things happen that are not to good in my life, the depression drops on me like a heavy rock, today I laid in my bed and cried until 4pm, my husband slept on the couch last night and I dont know why, so I just locked my room door and stayed in my room most of the day and cried with a heavy heavy heart, I know GOD is good and has blessed me with alot and I am thankful, please pray for me,,thank you and GOD BLESS YOU!!

    • Toni  says:

      Hi Monica. I’m so sorry to hear of your sadness and discontent in your marriage. I am praying for you and your husband to find a common bond once again and to be able to talk out the problem. In this case, silence is not a good thing. It’s been my experience that men have no idea what to do with us when we are sad. They may seem indifferent, when in all actuality; they are just lost in how to help us. When they don’t know how to help, they shut down. Have you started your gratitude list? How about a list devoted just to the things you are thankful for about your husband? I encourage you to sit down and ask the Lord to bring to mind all of the things you love about your husband, even small silly things. When you have a good list going, give it to your husband, or better yet, read it to him. It will encourage him and hopefully start a positive conversation between the two of you. Let me know how it goes.

      In His embrace,
      Toni

      The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

      Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

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