Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving
We spend quite a bit of time making plans for Thanksgiving. Planning what the menu will be, how many guests will be invited, we may decorate the house but, do we spend time preparing our heart and spirit to give thanks? I’d say that we generally don’t spend much time thinking about when we’ll spend time with God. I believe it is essential to include God in our plans this year, and I've found that even small moments, like saying a prayer while I'm cooking or listening to worship music while I decorate, can help shift my focus. For instance, I was making a pumpkin pie the other day, and as I mixed the ingredients, I started thinking about all the people who would be gathering around the table to enjoy it - it was a small moment, but it helped me feel more connected to the true meaning of the holiday.
Gratitude may not come naturally for many of us. Typically we focus on the negative side of things, which is expected because it’s how our brain is wired; it helps us survive if we’re faced with a threat. However, as Paul said in , we need to “fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Start giving thanks today so that we are ready for Thanksgiving. We should make a habit of being grateful. Any time we see or have something good, we should point it out and thank God for it. For some, this may not come easy; it’s a choice we have to make, and developing this habit will help us become more thankful. I try to do this by keeping a gratitude journal, where I write down three things I'm thankful for each day - it could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. Like the other day, when I was stuck in traffic, I started thinking about all the things I was grateful for in that moment, like the fact that I had a warm car and a full tank of gas.
The secret to expressing our gratitude is contentment. Being happy with what we have, accepting and trusting that God has given us exactly what we need, and knowing that what we have is enough is key to prime us for this special day. Reflecting on our blessings helps to get us in the right mindset for Thanksgiving. To cultivate a sense of gratitude, think about the people who bring joy to your life, the memories you've shared, and the little moments that make your day brighter. Reflect on all the times God has answered your prayers and all the goodness that surrounds you.
We don’t have to feel guilty if being thankful doesn’t come easy, God knows our intentions, and he knows we are trying. Gratefulness will inspire our own generosity and make us more giving. I've seen this in my own life, when I focus on what I'm thankful for, I'm more likely to want to give to others and show them the same kindness that I've experienced. It's a ripple effect of goodness that starts with a simple "thank you" to God. And I think that's what I love most about this time of year - the opportunity to slow down, appreciate the little things, and pass that appreciation on to those around me.
Be thankful for all you have because while it may seem insignificant when you have it, it will be important when you need it.
