I don't know about you but I have found that life can be hard and demanding!! But what I have also found is that a 'thankful heart' can make a difference.

We are all familiar with the Story of Thanksgiving and what those early settlers went through in those early years.  We can certainly understand how thankful they were to God to finally have the opportunity to celebrate the first successful harvest.

Fast forward to the time in our history to the founders who were so brave and so convicted that God was leading them to break away from England and establish a new Nation.  Think about that. Establish a Nation!  And, of course, we know what that effort cost them and many others to achieve that Divine goal. Can we possibly imagine how thankful they were?

There are so many other historical events that have helped make this country  what it became, for which we are collectively grateful.

Of course, the thing for which I am most grateful is Jesus and the way of salvation.  He gave His life to provide for all who believe.

God's Word has a lot to say about THANKSGIVING including:

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Colossians 3:17-  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 95:2-3 - Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Psalm 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 9:1 -  I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Even the secular world understands what the 'attitude of gratitude' can mean to our lives: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round.

But what about the small things, the daily things, the things that, in our demanding, busy lives we may miss?

I think about the beauty of the world created by the hand of a loving God, having a roof over my head, a soft, warm bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear, friends and family, meaningful work to do, a baby's smile, giving or receiving a helping hand, giving or receiving an encouraging word, or a hug, etc.  

Wonder what life would be like if each one of us kept our 'thanksgiving' antenna up and really paid attention!!

I challenge each of us to be aware of, and take time for. even these 'little' things.  That way we could turn Thanksgiving into daily Thanks-LIVING.

Bobbie Patray
Tennessee Eagle Forum