Thanksgiving is upon us! An “attitude of gratitude” is essential in life.
Without it, existence can become inward focused, self-consuming, and arrogant to a fault. Those who strive to bolster wealth or happiness to the expense of health, family, friendships, and more, may dwell for a while in contentment “so-called,” but acquisition efforts alone can foster an inward world that eventually may or could become unhealthy.
The Bible has some direct comments on this. In the book of Ephesians (NIV), we read this: Ephesians 5:19-20. The context compares being filled the Spirit to getting drunk on wine, which is not wise. Instead, choose …
19 “… speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Thanksgiving is a command, and it is not commanded just when convenient or when all is rosy. Rather, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” Everything includes the good and the not-so-good. It is vital because it puts the focus where it should be: on God and His sustaining provision through life’s ups and downs.
I have been of the conclusion that thankfulness puts the one expressing thanks in a position of submission, giving honor to the one hearing his or her expressions of gratitude.
Thanksgiving is good and best for the one(s) being thankful, benefitting them in an attitude of praise and admiration. The key is that the personal focus has moved from inward to outward.
Many choose to express thanks by giving. This is right and good. Giving is not an inward focus; rather, an outward view to benefit someone else, regardless of station or means.
So, the idea is this: be thankful to God for His provision. A life balance is likely to return if perspectives were out of balance before.
Write your stories of thankfulness and tell us about them! Perhaps we can publish this if that is your desire. Please consider submitting your thankfulness writing to Creative Team Publishing (CTP) by sending this writing to glen.aubrey@ctrg.com. We will acknowledge receipt. You are invited to read the business plan of CTP at www.creativeteampublishing.com, to see if publishing may be in your future.
For how many life blessings are you thankful?
The old Gospel song says it well (public domain):
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
The National Holiday of Thanksgiving which we celebrate this month, was birthed by Abraham Lincoln, after the Gettysburg battle. According to Google history: On October 3, 1863, expressing gratitude for a pivotal Union Army victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln announced that the nation would celebrate an official Thanksgiving holiday on November 26, 1863.
Thanksgiving Is Essential.
*Alternate lyric