BE THANKFUL—IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!

Thanksgiving is coming soon—but unfortunately, we won’t be sitting around a table with family or friends. We will just be getting back from a week lying in the sun in Puerto Vallarta. I’m not sure whether to be sad about being home alone, or glad to have a day to recover from the exhaustion of a vacation! What a dilemma!

Regardless, I wish you a happy time with family, friends, or just yourself if that’s your situation. (Being realistic, sometimes it’s less stressful to just enjoy your own company—playing music that lifts your spirits, eating what you want and how much you want, and enjoying the Lord’s presence.)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder to think of all the people in our lives who bless us in one way or another. I am thankful for:

• You, my Readers.
• Those of you who write to me and let me know how an article was encouraging or helpful in your walk with the Lord.
• Those of you who join one of the Spiritual Growth groups I offer a few times a year.
• Those of you who ask for one-on-one time, for spiritual counseling, coaching, or just to request prayer.

BUT let’s be honest! Thanksgiving can also be a time where, instead of looking at our blessings, we focus on what makes us sad or disappointed rather than thankful.

In Psalm 77, the writer pivoted from focusing on his pain, his sadness, his losses, and recalled the powerful deeds of God (10-15).

If you’re struggling with depressing thoughts as the holiday season begins, let me encourage you to do the same. 

Here are some suggestions:

1. Get a piece of paper and write on it: WHY ME?

Draw five or more lines and answer the question:
 
WHY WAS I BLESSED WITH…
 
(Instead of “why did I suffer in various ways”, list what you were blessed with! Write as many as you can think of and praise God for them.)

2. Look back, get a notebook, journal, or even the back of a nearby envelope and write down the following.
   • List the powerful acts of God in YOUR life. Marvel at His grace. Let tears of gratitude flow.
   • LIST the nicest things others have done for you. Include however many people you remember.
   • List the FEELINGS you had when this happened. Try and use several descriptive words.
   • List the THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS, or MEMORIES these acts of kindness stirred up in you.

When the apostle Paul finished his letter to the Romans, he remembered and recorded what people did for him.  His long list flowed from a heart spilling over with thankfulness and his example especially fits this season of the year (Romans 16).

3. Want to show your gratitude to others, and to God, for caring about you?
   • Start a list of people you thank God for.  Add to it each day until Thanksgiving.
   • Use your growing list to pray, thanking God for their part in your life.
   • Between Thanksgiving and Christmas buy some meaningful Christmas cards. Write a note expressing your gratitude for some specific way they blessed you.

Do these three things and watch your heart swell with warm, thankful memories throughout the holidays. 

Whether you’re alone or surrounded by people you love, choose joy and thankfulness—it’s soooo much better for you and pleases the One who loves you dearly! “Give thanks with a grateful heart!”

Joy to You,
Poppy