First Thessalonians 5:8 says "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It has always seemed to me that we devote one day a year for this kind of stuff, for telling others how much we appreciate them and how thankful we are for them. That's why we have Thanksgiving, right? To use that one single day to show our gratitude, amongst a much longer period of time of taking those things for granted.
A thing my family likes to do on Thanksgiving is go around the table and each list something we are thankful for. Of course whenever it would get to me; being the over-thinker that I am; would always start with me mentioning my family and friends and then suddenly start spiraling into a multitude of things, in which I would rattle off something like "I'm just really thankful for God and the world and peace and love and America," as I realized just how grateful I was for these things. But why don't I normally give thanks for them, especially when God says to give thanks in all circumstances?
Giving thanks in all circumstances doesn't mean giving thanks only when your life is going well. Giving thanks in all circumstances doesn't mean giving thanks only when the world isn't in turmoil. Giving thanks in all circumstances doesn't mean giving thanks when your parents aren't fighting or when you feel confident about that new job or when you feel like your faith is strong. Giving thanks in all circumstances means giving thanks at every walk of your life, at every time, and even every day.
We never usually take the opportunity to tell others we are thankful for them unless it presents itself. We'd rather just assume that they know, and they just might. Actions do usually speak louder than words.
But even if they may know, tell them anyway. Life is too short to leave much unsaid, so take the opportunity. Any chance to give thanks or express love is not a wasted one.
Gratitude is how we empathize; how we connect with others and form relationships that have meaning. It's how we show that we care. If gratitude is a part of love, then isn't love our number one justification for giving thanks? We actively show love by showing gratitude.
So when you care for something; give thanks. When life is hard; give thanks. When you get in fights with your family or your friends; give thanks. When school is stressful; give thanks. Because God has blessed you with an incredible life and the ability to feel gratitude; even in dark times. He has blessed you with the ability to give thanks in all circumstances. And you mustn't waste it.
