RECEIVE and REFLECT: When I was a kid, my mom would play a game with me and my siblings called “What makes you happy?” The game was simple - she would ask, “What makes you happy?” and we would each give our answers. I remember saying, “My toys make me happy.” After my answer, it was my turn to ask the question, “Mom, what makes you happy?” She would give her answer, and we would go back and forth like that for as long as it held my attention. As a child, it was just a game I played with my mom. But as an adult, I can look back and recognize that through this game, my mom was demonstrating a grateful and joyful lifestyle. I was probably too young to understand the word gratitude, but I definitely wasn’t too young to understand the concept.
We are all familiar with the word gratitude. Or maybe a more common word for you would be thankfulness. Either way, what is the practical meaning? How do we demonstrate gratitude in our daily lives? As we begin this week leading up to Thanksgiving, it might seem easy to think in these terms for a few days. But living a life of gratitude takes intentionality.
Gratitude is not a one-time act.
Living a grateful, joyful life doesn’t mean just saying thank you to the waiter who sets a dinner plate in front of you. A grateful, joyful life doesn’t mean writing 100 thank-you notes or showing your appreciation to a co-worker who helps you with a project.
While all of those things are indeed expressions of gratitude, they aren’t necessarily the type of gratitude we are talking about today. We are talking about gratefulness that is rooted in the joy we have through Jesus. This is about the state of your heart, not a one-time act.
The Apostle Paul writes a gratitude challenge for us in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:16-18:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Paul reminds us that a life with Jesus is a life of gratitude—even when it is diffi cult! As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on how we demonstrate a grateful, joyful lifestyle. As our friends, family, and even strangers around us are pausing to be thankful, we have the opportunity to do the same. We can and should participate in all the thankfulness and gratitude that is being expressed around us this week.
What happens after Thanksgiving is over?
Paul doesn’t say, “Give thanks during the week of Thanksgiving.” Paul reminds us that we are to give thanks to God in all circumstances, not just when it feels easy or when the people around us are also expressing gratitude. Giving thanks is foundational in our worship of God. We give thanks because Jesus gives thanks. Because of that, we need our hearts to beat with gratitude far beyond this week!
RESPOND: One practical way to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal which we've included as an insert! Follow the prompts and let it remind you of the many ways God has blessed you.