Thanksgiving is a week away! Maybe you have already begun to make plans about what you’re going to do or where you’re going or what you’re going to prepare for the big day.
It’s certainly not something that you do on short notice.
I’d like to talk with you about getting ready for Thanksgiving in another way.
Why not plan your Thanksgiving starting today? How do you do that?
First, recognize the absolute necessity of giving thanks.
Last week I saw where someone was talking about having a good “friendsgiving.” In other words, they were going to have a time with friends this Thursday. That’s a great thing to do, but one of the great experiences in life – – even if you are not a follower of Christ – – is to be thankful.
Being thankful blesses us, and it makes us better people. It gives us a different way of looking at the world. Thankful people are happier, more peaceful, and more fun to be around.
Second, begin now to consider why you are thankful and what you have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving should never be an event or a day; it should be a part of life.
The more thankful you are and the more it is a matter of lifestyle the more you will be blessed by it.
Third, cultivate your thankfulness. None of us comes here thankful, gracious, or appreciative.
All of these are learned qualities. They have to be cultivated. Cultivation is a deliberate act. Crops don’t grow by themselves. Someone has to determine to make it possible for them to grow and produce.
It’s that way with thankfulness as well. We have to determine to be thankful and appreciative.
Finally, start now to be appreciative. Thank the people around you who do little things. Let them know you appreciate them. Look for every opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation. Thanksgiving is the most Christian of our national holidays, but it is meaningful for everyone. Work hard at giving thanks.
Do this and next Thursday will be an even better day.
I have the privilege of writing devotionals for people all over the country. If you would like to be a part of those who receive my daily look at life and Scripture, you can sign up at WaylonBailey.com or in the box below.