Tomorrow is the American Thanksgiving holiday, with its roots dating back to 1621, when the Plymouth Colonists shared a feast with the Wampanoag Indians. This was in celebration of their first harvest following a brutal winter.
While the colonists celebrated Thanksgiving irregularly, it wasn’t until President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation making the last Thursday in November a national holiday. Later, this was modified to make it the fourth Thursday.
In his Presidential proclamation, Lincoln acknowledged that our “fruitful fields” as well as all other blessings and” gracious gifts” have as their source the “watchful providence of Almighty God.” Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is “woven into the fabric of Scripture,” in over 100 Bible verses.
For too many, Thanksgiving has been reduced to just a day to gorge ourselves on good food, enjoy a day off work, watch some football, and prepare to spend money buying more stuff on Black Friday.
What we need is not just a day of Thanksgiving but a mindset of thanksliving. As one writer observed, “Thanksgiving is an event; Thanksliving is a lifestyle.”
Thanksliving becomes a daily expression of gratitude, demonstrated through our attitude and actions. It extends beyond a day, a prayer at mealtime, or a casual word of thanks. Thanksliving is reflected in our living, giving, serving, and in our interactions with family, friends, and brethren. It’s not just something we do; it’s the way we are. It’s an element of our character. “A grateful heart doesn’t just say thanks—it shows it.”
Thanksliving thus becomes an active response to God’s blessings, shaping our relationship with Him and with the people in our lives. So, how do we turn Thanksgiving into Thanksliving?
#1 Thanksliving Begins each Morning Acknowledging God’s Goodness.
The Psalmist penned, “This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s an attitude of appreciation for life and the opportunities that lie ahead of us. One sage quipped, “Some people wake and say, “Good, Lord, it’s morning.”And others respond, “Good morning, Lord!” Which are you?
#2 Thanksliving Shapes How we Treat People.
The attitude of gratitude softens our hearts, opens our eyes to others’ needs, and cares about their problems. Thankful people tend to be more patient, gentle, kind, and forgiving. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others,” once wrote the Roman philosopher Cicero.
#3 Thanksliving Prompts Generosity.
Yesterday’s post, “Holding Wealth with Open Hands,” speaks to Paul’s admonition for us to “do good…be rich in good works…be generous…ready to share.”
It’s said that “Gratitude is the seed; generosity is the fruit.” Thanksliving is demonstrated by giving our time, talent, and treasure to bless the lives of others.
#4 Thanksliving Turns Troubles into Triumph.
Thankful people are not just grateful when everything is positive in their lives, but can find possibilities in their problems. Thanksgiving is not dependent on a particular set of circumstances, but a specific set of attitudes.
The apostle Paul could “rejoice,” even though he was languishing in a Roman prison. He expressed contentment not just when he had plenty, was full, and abounding, but also when he was abased, hungry, and suffering need. Thanksliving trusts in God’s providential care even during tough times.
#5 Thanksliving Finds Joy in the Ordinary.
Learn to appreciate life’s little pleasures.
- A beautiful sunrise.
- A hot cup of coffee.
- The chirping of the birds.
- The laughter of children.
- A loving embrace from your spouse.
- A cool breeze on a warm day.
- A sincere compliment.
- A stranger’s smile.
- Warm chocolate chip cookies.
- A call, text, or note from an old friend.
- Sharing precious memories with your family.
- Colorful Fall foliage.
- The calming sound of a running creek.
- A breathtaking sunset.
- Gazing at a star-filled sky.
- Clean sheets and a good night’s sleep.
Thus, Paul’s exhortation takes on renewed meaning when he wrote, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
#6 Thanksliving Deepens our Spiritual Relationship
Weekly worship becomes more meaningful, not just a habitual rite or ritual. Fellowship with other Christians builds bonds and ties that bind us to a shared purpose and eternal hope. Daily prayers develop into a Divine connection, not just a regular routine. Bible reading transcends from mere words on a page to eternal values and virtues on which to build our lives.
While Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to enjoy time with family and friends, Thanksliving creates an extraordinary life of living, giving, serving, and sharing.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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