With Thanksgiving only a week away, I thought it only fitting to write about the concept of being grateful. Thanksgiving is the only holiday of the year that unequivocally makes you think about being thankful. It’s right smack in the name!
Yes, I know we are facing tough economic times. Yes, I also know that racism in the United States still exist – black people are being targeted, beaten or killed unjustifiably by some white policemen. Yes, I know that sexism in the United States still exist – women still aren’t being paid the same wages as men for doing the exact same job! Finally, yes, I know that Aids, Cancer, Diabetes, etc. hasn’t been cured.
Despite all of these things however, it still could be worse. Take some time during Thanksgiving and Black Friday (if you have time off) and just reflect on the things that you have that maybe someone else doesn’t have. Maybe you have multiple pairs of shoes in a variety of colors in the closet of your warm and comfortable apartment or home, and someone in your same city is walking around with no shoes on their feet (or better still with no feet to walk on).
Think of a scenario like not having any food to eat, no money, being terminally ill and alone with nowhere to live and with no one to care about you as you go through the difficult time. Ask God to forgive your “take it for granted” attitude. Then take a moment to call someone, send a text, volunteer at a soup kitchen or visit someone who has no family and who isn’t mobile and can’t get out to have a Thanksgiving meal with family or friends.
The Word, reminds us that we should have an “attitude of gratitude” all of the time because of God’s goodness, grace and mercy toward us. Psalm 106:1 tells us: “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
If for no other reason than to know that you are not going to hell is reason enough to be thankful. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Keep this in mind. Know that you are loved, and be grateful!