While celebrating Thanksgiving last week, my heart was filled with happy memories as we visited with our families in Ohio. My in-laws are doing well in spite of the health issues my father-in-law has faced. My parents are doing well too...as they continue to pastor their church and love people. I'm very thankful for their valuable place in my life.
Thankfulness is an attitude of the heart. Have you ever noticed that a person who is thankful is also a happier person? When we recognize the wonder the many blessings and benefits that God and others have provided for us, we cannot help but have a thankful attitude that results in a joyous heart.
I have noticed in my own life that if I am careful to observe the most minor detail of graciousness shown to me, I am much happier. If I look around me and realize that God is good and most people (at least here in Indianapolis) are potential friends, I have a positive outlook on life and look forward to the days and weeks ahead.
Being thankful has two sides. First, we must observe the blessings around us and consciously and verbally express our gratitude to those with whom we come in contact. Second, we must be a source of blessings to others.
As we have freely received, let us freely give. As has been done unto us, let us do unto others. As we would have done unto us, let us do unto others.
Many times in today's world the commands of our Savior have been twisted to come out something like this, "Do unto others before they do unto you!" Our Lord taught us to be kind to all and to love our enemies. We are to do good to those who would use us or hurt us. We are to show His grace to everyone.
Most people know these truths and practice them. I love the people of our city and am still amazed that after thirteen years of living here, to find such love and good will among so many. Yet, there are those who are sour. There are those who have grown bitter instead of better in time. There are those who want to cause trouble and stir up rumors about the most trivial of things.
Being thankful is a heart attitude that must be practiced daily. If we do not practice it daily, we can fall into the pit of despair and become bitter. I have seen it on the faces of many who claim to know Jesus. They are so hurt, so resentful, so begrudging that their faces have taken on an ugly snarl. Look around you or better yet, look in the mirror and make sure it isn't you.
The cure for the "ugly snarl" on the face is an attitude of gratitude in the heart. If we are thankful in all things, as our Lord commands us, then we will accept the most difficult of people as being brought to us from our Lord for our good and His glory. It is hard, sometimes, to love our neighbor, especially when they throw their garbage onto our property. It is hard to love a teacher, preacher or boss when our personalities clash with them, but...we are commanded to do so.
It is all in the heart. It begins with an attitude of gratitude. It results in being thankful in all things.
In this holiday season, look around you and find things each day to be thankful for. Decide not to bellyache about anything but to give thanks for everything. As you practice what we are commanded in the Bible, you will find your attitude changing. You will soon have an attitude of gratitude and be thankful.
