Thanksgiving is a month away and to be honest, I've been just a little preoccupied lately with things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things. Things that annoy, gripes, complaints...things just not quite going the way I'd like. And the biggest thing of all...busyness...busyness...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I'm very well aware that thankfulness is not a new concept. Gratitude journals or sharing an ongoing list of thanks are well known practices. Others have done this kind of thing and were/are a lot more eloquent than I am or ever will be. There is something in the practice of thanksgiving that brings the soul into the presence of God in a real and powerful way. Recognizing and thanking the Creator for all things and in all circumstances is important. We cannot do it enough and we often don't do it at all some days. I want to spend this next month (and longer) getting myself back in the habit of thankfulness.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
I invite you to join me in this exercise for the next month (starting tomorrow). Practice thanksgiving! Give God the thanks He deserves. Share it on your own blog, facebook, or just tell God. Look past "things" and thank God for who He is, what He's done, or what beauty you see around you. I'm challenging myself to be thankful in everything. Even the difficult, messy, crazy parts of life. God is there in those situations, too!
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1
