Everyday Gratitude

This past weekend was "Thanksgiving" here in Canada.  January 31, 1957 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed; "A day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed-to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."  I've always liked Thanksgiving weekend.  I think it's encouraging that in a nation that is quickly running in opposition to Christian values, this holiday is still recognized, still logged in history as a day set aside to thank GOD.  Time with family, a yummy feast of fall classics, the trees naturally trimmed in bright seasonal colour, and most of all intentional thoughts, and expressions of gratefulness to God.

We enjoyed all the traditions of Thanksgiving this past weekend, and it was wonderful!

But is that it now? Wednesday is here, and we've all gone back to our own homes, and routines.  The turkey carcass has been picked clean, and even boiled for soup stock.  The housework, and our day-to day schedules welcome us back to "reality" as we normally know it.  Our thanks have been sung through songs at church, shared in a family circle, and prayed to God.  So, we've given thanks.... check.

Do we want God to think of and provide for us one day a year?  Everyday, in so many ways God gives, provides, blesses, forgives, and loves beyond what we deserve. 

"...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18  

Does my heart overflow with gratitude?  Honestly, often times, no.   Am I thankful for all things?  Do I stop to realize every little thing; the clean water that I drink, that comes flowing at the twist of a tap, the health care that I receive, the freedoms I enjoy, the opportunity to breathe in clean air, to see, to taste, to touch.  Even the struggles, losses, and hard stuff in my life.....  Can I be thankful for them?  I ought to be, His Word says it's His will for me, and He always uses all things for His good purposes (Romans 8:28,29).  Do I truly cherish who God is, how He gave His life for mine that I may know His grace, forgiveness, to be free from the punishment my sin deserves, and to have eternal life instead of an eternal hell when my life on earth is over?  What love, what sacrifice.  Words, songs, prayers will never be able to express properly the thanksgiving God deserves.  

I sincerely want to be more thankful.  I don't think any one of us would say we are grateful enough.  So, I pray that God would give me a heart of honest thanksgiving.  I will memorize and review Bible passages that point my heart to praise Him, to worship my Creator, Provider, Gracious God and Father.  When I am feeling like grumbling I will mentally list blessings, I will sing a song that honors God when I wish I had a different life, or more of this or that.  He has given me more than enough, His grace alone is more than I deserve.

Thank You God, from the bottom of my heart, I thank You; for Jesus who has saved me, for Your Spirit who guides me, for the daily provisions You give of food, health, shelter, clothing, for my best friend and husband to enjoy life with, to learn from and beside, for my parents, brothers and extended family-for all they've taught me, for the memories, and love we share for one another.  Lord, for your daily grace in my life.  I thank You.  Lord I want to express more appreciation this year, for You, for the blessings You give day in and day out, there is sooo much to be grateful for.  I thank You!