Thanksgiving

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;”

(Ephesians 1:15-16 KJV)

During my graduate school years, I presented a variety of programs in my residence hall and at the Wesley Foundation, one of my favorite programs to present was on the topic of thankfulness—at one point I had several versions.  I attempted to present this program around Thanksgiving and/or shortly before finals—a very busy and stressful time for students!  A time when it is hard to be thankful! 

The programs were not elaborate or even all that time consuming; they were focused on being thankful (thinking about things, places, and people we were thankful for).  Due to the hectic and stressful nature of being a college student it was easy to lose focus on what really mattered and to be thankful for the important things/people (no matter how small) in life. 

From http://castabigger.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/A-thankful-image1.jpg

Life continues to be hectic, even after college/graduate school; it is so easy to get distracted by unimportant things and lose sight of what, and especially, who really matters.  For many of us, we are blessed beyond measure and have so much more than most of the world, yet it is easy to forget that in the workaday world.

From https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3b/40/25/3b4025233b2fd3886b23eeb5d1c1aa89.jpg

Those of us, who have Jesus as Savior and Lord, should be among the most thankful people around. Click to Tweet  In Jesus, we have been forgiven of our sins and have a multitude of blessings.  Yet, sometimes, we forget just how much the Lord has given us and has done for us.     

Considering taking some time during this busy holiday season (and every day of the year) to reflect on what and who you are thankful for—you may even want to let people who you are thankful for know it!

Have fun with it!  I imagine that your perspective on life will change, if you are persistent about doing this. 

From http://boardofwisdom.com/cachetogo/images/quotes/595551.png

What are you thankful for?

From http://www.onthegocharleston.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thankful.jpg

Try listing at least three things you are thankful for each day until the end of the year.  It is fine to be thankful for the simplest of things in your life.  Then read back through them and rejoice.

From http://www.greenyourdecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/HappyThanksgiving.jpg

Please join with me in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the things and people in our lives.  In Your Word we learn that we are to be thankful in all things but not for all things.  Help us to change our perspective so that we realize just how much we do have to be thankful for; we have so much in abundance compared to many places throughout the world.  Remind us that all we have is from You.  Help us to remember to count our blessings daily and particularly when we are busy or under a lot of stress.  In our busy lives remind us to not take people or You for granted; encourage us to place others ahead of ourselves, serving them in the name of Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Dear Readers, I would like to wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving.  Enjoy and celebrate all of God’s richest blessings during this season of thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!