Practicing Gratitude

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Did you notice that God links acceptable worship with gratitude? You and I cannot properly revere God, dear one, without recognizing that He is the source of every good thing.

Does your heart sing with gratitude for all He has done for you?

Because you and I are human, sometimes we struggle with that. It’s easy to overlook our blessings because our hearts remain focused on whatever we feel we lack.

Let’s not let that happen today, beloved. Let’s lift our hearts in gratitude to the One who gave it all.

In this season of Thanksgiving, before we get too distracted by turkey fixings and homemade pies, I’d like to share with you a few of the things that I’m thankful for.

I am most thankful for the gift of life given to me in Jesus.

I’m thankful that He forgives, even when I struggle to do so.

And I am so very grateful that He provides strength in my weakness.

I’m thankful for my mom and dad, who have loved me well and pointed me toward Jesus.

I am especially thankful for my husband, Steve, who is my very best friend.

I’m thankful for his leadership, and his prayer covering over my life and ministry.

I’m thankful that God chose to grace my man with the gift of giving, and I get to witness God use him to impact lives over and over again.

I’m thankful my husband is letting Jesus transform his heart, and that my sons can know that Jesus is real from what they’ve witnessed in their father’s life.

I am thankful for my boys, Austin and Mason, who I love more than words can say. It seems a miracle that God entrusted them to me.

I love how individual they are. And I love how they love each other and always feel bad when they fight.

I’m extremely thankful that my teenage sons still enjoy spending time with us.

And I’m thankful that God has a plan for each of them that far surpasses anything I could plan.

I’m thankful for laughter every day in our home.

I’m thankful for in-laws who showed me that it’s fun to make time for Jesus each day, even on vacation.

I’m thankful for friends who love Jesus, especially the amazing sisters God has gifted me through His Son.

I’m grateful my sisters love me in spite of me, and that they’re always there to lift my arms when I no longer have the strength to hold them myself.

I’m expressly thankful for the ability to enjoy food.

And I’m thankful for dogs, especially our Annie and Jack, for their wholehearted devotion and their love of snuggling.

I’m also grateful that puppies grow into dogs, and that Resolve carpet cleaner leaves a fresh scent.

I could go on, but I may be keeping you from your holiday celebrations.

Still, before you get too busy preparing to sit at your holiday tables and feast on your family’s favorite dishes, I pray you will spend some moments considering all that you have to be grateful for. And as your thoughts linger on your blessings, remember the One who is responsible for them all.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Happy Thanksgiving, dear one. May your holiday be blessed, marked by the presence of the King.