Thanksgiving

As I start this post, I would like to point out the fact that I have nothing against celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday. I simply have a different perspective on the way we give thanks and the expectations that society has regarding appreciation and thanksgiving.

“Thank you” has become a cliché in today’s society. I can’t help but thinking of a little kid receiving something from someone and, after he takes it, his mom says “what do you say…?” Yes, this is a teaching tool to thank people when they do something for you; however, it does not teach one to be genuinely grateful.

When I get something that I am grateful for, I usually use it more than other things I’ve been given. On the other hand, if I get something that I am not grateful for, I tend to hide it away and keep it hidden. Our appreciation for certain things can be determined through our actions. If we are truly grateful, we would not just pick one day a year to be grateful, but we would show our appreciation every day and our would be obvious to everyone around us.

Jesus’ sacrifice should be what we are most thankful for, but do we show it? Even Thanksgiving—the holiday specifically set aside for giving thanks for the things we have—comes to an end and gives way to a day in which we covet the things we don’t have. The day may be practically over, but this is something to think about as it comes to a close. Do you show your appreciation to God all the time, or do you let the negative things in life make you bitter and allow them to prevent you from doing this?

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18