As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I've noticed that many in our culture are skipping over the meaning of this holiday in preparation for Christmas. Never once saying "Thank you". Never showing gratitude for what we've been given. We muster all of our negative energy and complain of all that is wrong: not having enough money to buy gifts, the bills are too high and the job is not paying enough. The complaint list goes on and on. We come together on Thanksgiving, eat all that we can, sleep a little, watch a football game and chock it all up to another day of festivities. However, Thanksgiving is more than that. It is a real time of reflection of the wonderful we have had the opportunity to live.
Depression is ranked at its all time high during this season, because people grieve the absence of the family. You know, the family we grieve being in their presence! We look over the value that others bring because we are caught up in our lives. There are many who are hurting around us.
"Thank You" are two of the most powerful words in the human language. It demonstrates gratitude for someone or something. I would argue that it shows more than just gratitude. It shows humility and grace. When we say "thank you", we are saying that we are appreciative. It is easily expressed when someone does something nice for us. It is also commonly forgotten art when it comes to those whom we care about and love. Why are we so apt to appreciate the action of others and yet forget or fail to let the people in our lives know how much they are appreciated?
While we can promise to appreciate others, we must decide to appreciate our children, our family members and our significant others. When was the last time you said "thank you" to yourself? your children? your friends? your pastor? your significant other? When was the last time you said it to God? If we fail to appreciate those whom are closest to us then we are being counterfeit in our expression towards others. Gratitude is not situational - it is required even when nothing special is done. We can simply appreciate the very presence of someone in our lives no matter the role. Sure, it may take more work but it is worth it.
Gratitude goes a long way in our relationships. If we desire to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, then we must master the art of "thank you". Let's start today. Write a small thank you letter or note to yourself first, then to your children and so on. Watch how powerful your world will change in an instant. Take some time today to also thank God for what he has done in your life and for just loving you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all that you've done for me. Forgive me for the times I've been ungrateful. I appreciate you with my whole heart. Give me a heart of gratitude and humility. Teach me to appreciate those in my life. Teach me to appreciate myself. I ask that you continue to lead and direct my paths. I bless you today and ask that you bless me and my home. In Jesus Name I Pray...Amen
Depression is ranked at its all time high during this season, because people grieve the absence of the family. You know, the family we grieve being in their presence! We look over the value that others bring because we are caught up in our lives. There are many who are hurting around us.
"Thank You" are two of the most powerful words in the human language. It demonstrates gratitude for someone or something. I would argue that it shows more than just gratitude. It shows humility and grace. When we say "thank you", we are saying that we are appreciative. It is easily expressed when someone does something nice for us. It is also commonly forgotten art when it comes to those whom we care about and love. Why are we so apt to appreciate the action of others and yet forget or fail to let the people in our lives know how much they are appreciated?
While we can promise to appreciate others, we must decide to appreciate our children, our family members and our significant others. When was the last time you said "thank you" to yourself? your children? your friends? your pastor? your significant other? When was the last time you said it to God? If we fail to appreciate those whom are closest to us then we are being counterfeit in our expression towards others. Gratitude is not situational - it is required even when nothing special is done. We can simply appreciate the very presence of someone in our lives no matter the role. Sure, it may take more work but it is worth it.
Gratitude goes a long way in our relationships. If we desire to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, then we must master the art of "thank you". Let's start today. Write a small thank you letter or note to yourself first, then to your children and so on. Watch how powerful your world will change in an instant. Take some time today to also thank God for what he has done in your life and for just loving you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for all that you've done for me. Forgive me for the times I've been ungrateful. I appreciate you with my whole heart. Give me a heart of gratitude and humility. Teach me to appreciate those in my life. Teach me to appreciate myself. I ask that you continue to lead and direct my paths. I bless you today and ask that you bless me and my home. In Jesus Name I Pray...Amen
