One of my favorite times of the year is Thanksgiving. This is mainly because I love food, especially turkey. But more than that, Thanksgiving is the time I get to reflect on what I am most thankful for: family, education, football, and turkey. While living in a free country has a lot to do with having all of these things, its important to remember who gave these things to us.
Thessalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." God wants nothing more than for us to be thankful. Being thankful involves being happy. It's important to remember in our darkest times that God's ultimate plan includes you. While God is the One who is glorified, you are not forgotten. God wants you with Him in heaven. That's why He sent Jesus to die on the cross. Just like when Abraham was given a sacrifice in place of his son, God gave us a sacrifice in place of ourselves. He did this because He loves us. He always has, and He always will.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said that "Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy." Many of us live our lives with regret or emotions about the past. I know I do. We live thinking, "I wish I had done something different" or "Why did this happen to me". But if we instead focus on the things we can be grateful for in the past, the pain goes away because it has no place in happiness. Simply said, joy is stronger than sorrow.
There is perhaps no better a time leading up to Christmas than Thanksgiving. Right before Advent, it gives us a chance to reflect on what God has given us in life. And God appreciates gratitude. When we give thanks to Him, He hears it. God hears your prayers. Here are some ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving personally this year:
1. Give Thanks to God
As I mentioned before, give thanks to God. He provided it all. He made you. Everything we have on earth we owe to Him, and He loves us enough that he sent Christ to die for us. His love is eternal and strong - it has no end. He is always in control and there is no one stronger than Him. Be thankful to God because He is so powerful and at the same time loves us so much.
2. Celebrate being Thankful
This should be the basis of Thanksgiving. Celebrate what you have, don't focus on what you don't have. Consider this practice for Christmas. Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on others. Celebrate being thankful by being thankful and not sad or miserable.
3. Love someone other than yourself
This is an important part of the entire holiday season. Love someone more than yourself. Buy a gift for someone and see the joy on their face when they open it. Sponsor a child or a family, or provide Christmas dinner to those who can't afford it. Share your Thanksgiving leftovers with your neighbors or invite them to the meal itself. We find that our lives are happier when we love and care for others.
Most of all, thank God. It sounds cliche, but its the absolute truth; God gave us everything to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
