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What It Means To Be 'Thankful In'

One word makes a difference in perspective

Amelia Rogers

Dec 06, 2016

Freed-Hardeman University

Pixabay

"Rejoice always,pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time of year. I love celebrating with my family and carrying out the same traditions we have had for years. This year was no different. I love that we set aside a time to think about all of the things we have to be thankful for.

Yet, as I returned to school and was quickly caught up in the busyness of life with tests and projects and presentations and social clubs events, I completely forgot about all of that thankfulness I had just a few days before. I haven't given thankfulness much thought as I feel like I'm consumed with all of these things to do.

But as Christians, thankfulness should be a priority in our lives. We are told to "give thanks in all circumstances." So what am I missing here?

At Thanksgiving, we often focus on counting our blessings and being thankful for specific things in our lives. While that's a great thing to do, we are commanded not to give thanks for but to give thanks in. That one little word makes a big difference.

So what does it mean to give thanks in? I think the kind of gratitude that gives thanks in is an pervasive attitude of thankfulness in our hearts that influences our perception of the world.It helps us center on God and it brings joy and peace to our lives. It creates positivity. It is a sense of simplicity and contentment that remains the same no matter what comes our way. Being thankful in doesn't change, even if we don't feel very thankful for the circumstance we're facing.

Giving thanks in is something that should happen every day, no matter what is happening to us. It's not something to focus on just one day out of the year. It's not easy to do, but it is a goal that we should all share. That kind of thankfulness isn't a burdensome commandment but a gift from God that will brighten each day that we seek to put it into practice. Let's all try to be thankful in.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." -Colossians 3:15

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What It Means To Be 'Thankful In'

One word makes a difference in perspective

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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