On Being Thankful

Thankful.  Grateful.  Content.  Overwhelmed.  Satisfied.

Words describing the heart giving emotion of thanksgiving.  We set aside a day but in reality it’s a lifetime.  Eyes viewing life through a lens of either thankfulness, disappointment, or selfishness.  What our eyes find their gaze upon…why, that’s soul changing.  With eyes lifted up, how can our hearts boast anything but thankfulness.  It’s when our eyes peer parallel or towards the floor when we get into trouble.  This is nothing new. 

Thankfulness is flowing for so many reasons these days.  But that hasn’t always been the case over this past year.  I’m sure it wasn’t the case for many of you.  But today, on the morn of the feast of gratitude, I can speak thanksgiving over so many things.  And at the end of the day, they all lead back to the same perfect Someone.


1.  My Husband.  For provision, love, and grace upon grace. (Eph. 5:25-26)
2.  Marriage and its sweet covenant.  (Genesis 2:21-24)
3.  My family. all the drama and love intermixed.  (Colossians 3:20)
4.  Children. The ones we long for and the lives He’s given.  (Psalm 127:3)
5.  Friends. The body of Christ all around.  (Proverbs 17:17a)
6.  Shelter. A roof over our head.  (Psalm 91:1-2)
7.  Food.  Abundant blessing.  (Psalm 111:5)
8.  Water.  Refreshing and giving.  (Matthew 6:31-32)
9.  Church.  The House of Worship.  Faithful Leaders.  (Hebrews 13:17)
10.  Women’s Ministry.  Gives life to my heart.  (Titus 2:3-5)
11.  The sun/moon/stars.  Providing life.  (Psalm 113:3) (Genesis 1:15-18)
12.  Mothers.  Givers.  (Proverbs 31:28)
13.  Suffering.  For it produces gratitude.  (Romans 5:3-5)
14.  Fathers.  Providers.  (Proverbs 17:6)
15.  Bible Study.  The word abiding.  (Colossians 3:16)
16.  Provision.  All we need with perfect timing.  (Matthew 6:8)
17.  Prayer.  Power in a word.  (Philippians 4:4-7)
18.  Work.  Every kind, in every way, for the Lord.  (Colossians 3:23-24)
19.  Perfect timing.  There is a season for all things.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
20.  The body of believers.  Brother, sister, friend.  (Eph. 1:16-17)
21.  Salvation.  Undeserved and life changing.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)
22.  Mountains, seas.  Abundant beauty.  (Genesis 1:9-10) (Psalm 95:4-5)
23.  Our 4 legged friends and animals of every kind.  (Genesis 1:20-24)
24.  Rest.  What we need to keep us going.  (Hebrews 4:9)
25.  The cold of winter and warmth of summer.  (Job 38) (Genesis 1:14)
26.  Worship.  Songs of praise; lifting of hands.  (Psalm 33:1-3)
27.  Healing.  Aids the body.  (Psalm 30:2)
28.  Grace.  Undeserved favor.  (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Romans 5:20-21)
29.  All nations.  Coming together.  (Psalm 96:3)
30.  The giver of Thanksgiving.  God in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Living in me, by the grace He has shown, through His son, on the cross.

“All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and your saints shall bless you!  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power…My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever!”    (Psalm 145:10-11, 21)