Speak the Word Only: Give Thanks

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstance may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revelator and Mediator of that will].

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified Bible

It is my belief that holidays serve as a reminder of what is important. For example, as commercialized Valentine’s Day has become, it is a reminder to show love to those close to you. Easter is a beautiful reminder of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of not a meal between pilgrims and Indians, but as a check that despite and because of, there should be a reason in your life to say, “thank you.”

Working as a preschool teacher, I have a primary responsibility to lay a solid foundation for the children under my care. The 1st five years are the fundamental years, so it needs to be solid. I not only teach letter recognition and letter sounds, but I also teach good manners and creativity. I make sure my children remember not to answer adults with “what” or “huh” but with “ma’am” or “sir.” When they leave me, they will know and understand that “please” and “thank you” go a long way. This premise should keep them through adulthood, so when they are faced with all 2020 gave the world, they will find a moment of gratitude.

No matter what the circumstance may be, be thankful and give thanks. Being thankful and grateful in every situation is not easy. It is easy to get lost trying to see the forest through the trees. In this letter from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Thessalonica, he gives timeless advice. Just the thought makes me marvel at the omniscience of God. He saw the year 2020 before time began and knew that the believers would need Thanksgiving as a reminder to be grateful and thankful regardless of your circumstances.

It might be hard to give thanks for a loss of income or the acquirement of a disease. However, there is a reason to give thanks. Not a “well, it could be worse,” but more of a thank God anyhow. Thank you, God, for being employed until now. Show me how to use this time wisely. God, I am grateful for the advancements in medicine, guide the medical staff during my care. Thank you for my health insurance, and peace during this time.

A heart of gratitude changes your attitude. Giving thanks for God shifts your focus from your problems to the Problem Solver. This is how prayer changes things.

Give love. Get love.