Give Thanks and Get Busy!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! Psalm 100:4

I love everything about Thanksgiving! I love the food, the weather, the decorations the spirit…all of it! There is an anticipation that comes with the last weeks of November and all the things that are just around the corner.

As I prepared my list of things I’m thankful for this year, I decided that I needed to show how thankful I was rather than just think about it. After some prayerful thought, here’s what I came up with.

*I’m thankful for my husband and my children. I will show them how thankful I am by using patient and kind words when I’m stressed or rushed. I will also make sure I prepare each of them their favorite supper.

*I’m thankful for the freedom and the desire I have to praise God. I’ll show my thankfulness by spending extra time each morning praying for people who need to feel the love, mercy, healing, and grace of the Father.

*I’m thankful for the food I have in abundance. I’ll show my thankfulness by sharing my abundance with the local food pantry and by eating a little less each day and offering that sacrifice prayerfully for those who go to bed hungry.

*I’m thankful for my warm cozy home. I will show my thankfulness by contributing to a charity that helps the homeless.

*I’m thankful for my clothes. I’ll show my thankfulness by cleaning out the closets and donating clothes, shoes and coats to organizations who can use my excess to combat someone else’s need.

*I’m thankful for my arms and legs. I’ll show my thankfulness by doing more to act as Christ’s hands and feet on earth…even when I’m tired or impatient or when it’s not convenient.

*I’m thankful for my job. I’ll show my thankfulness by remembering to pray for those who are unemployed or underemployed.

*I’m thankful for the gifts and talents God has given me. I’ll show my thankfulness by always trying to use those gifts and talents humbly to further God’s kingdom.

I am so thankful for the rich and abundant blessings God has chosen to give me; now I better get to work so I can show Him how grateful I am.

A Seed To Plant: As you make a list of all the things you’re thankful for this year, make up your own list of ways to demonstrate your gratefulness.

Blessings on your day…and Happy Thanksgiving!