Thanksgiving has passed and even though it is still November, the signs that Christmas is coming are prevalent everywhere! The stores are stocked to the brim with toys, clothing and anything that could be considered to be a gift. And just in case we can’t come up with a gift idea, we have gift cards of every type and color to choose from!
But once again, we have not spent much time being thankful! We’re all becoming mired in the season designed to encourage greed and its bedfellow, dissatisfaction with the life and things that I have. Of course, that’s not the religious meaning of Christmas. It is just what Christmas in America has become!
Learn to thank GOD for the good gifts He has given
In order to change this attitude, we can’t go with the flow. We must go against the tide. How do we do that? By learning to be thankful! By developing a daily attitude that thanks GOD for the gifts He has given.
This is definitely an activity that is counter-cultural. In order to develop the habit, you may need to start making a list of the things you are thankful for. Or stop yourself when you find yourself complaining and remind yourself of the things for which you can be thankful, rather than the things you want to complain about.
Recognize that thankfulness doesn’t come naturally
I admit to falling into this trap easily. Being thankful doesn’t come easily or naturally to me. I’m not sure it comes naturally to most people. Think of all the times you are given a gift and you wish it were in a different color, size, style…? I don’t think I’m alone there either.
Learning to be grateful for what we have, for what GOD has provided for us, instead of comparing ourselves to a friend or family member and wishing for what we think is an improved lot in life like they have? This can only change as GOD changes our hearts and desires. But, we must cooperate with the process!
Rarely, is their lot as great as it appears to be at first blush. Even if it is good, we don’t do ourselves any favors when we aren’t happy with what we have; when we don’t appreciate the many good gifts GOD has given us!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!
For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
