Thanksgiving Is A Decision

The day we call Thanksgiving comes this week.  Since 1941 the fourth Thursday in November has been recognized as “Thanksgiving Day” in the United States.  We attempt to trace the roots of the thanksgiving holiday tradition to the 1621 celebration at Plymouth (now Massachusetts) with the Pilgrims and Puritans and Native Americans.  Truth is that very little of what we do today would have been even recognizable to those early America settlers.

For most of us Thanksgiving is summed up as food, family, and football (and not always in that order).  As we embrace this week, I want to remind you of a singular truth –

Thanksgiving is NOT a DAY,
Thanksgiving is a DECISION!

We have so many reasons to be be thankful.  For most of us our perspective determines our thankfulness.  It is easy to look at every glass as half empty, every situation as a calamity, and every challenge as a negative. However, when we step back, take a breath, and relax we can see things in a whole new way.  If you see the glass as half empty, you need to be thankful for the glass.  If you see the present situation as a calamity, you should be thankful that God has given you the opportunity to work through the situation.  The next time a challenge comes your way, pause and praise God for the good things that have already taken place in your life.  It’s all about perspective.

Thankfulness comes as result of permission.  I heard someone say recently, “No one can make us have a bad day without our permission.”  It’s true.  As I type these words I have taken the decision to be thankful for all of you who read this.  I have decided to thank God for each of you and ask His blessings upon you.

As you observe Thanksgiving with those you love, I encourage you to be thankful for the chance you have to let others see the glory of God in you.  Show His love with everyone in your circle of influence. The Psalmist wrote:

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name;
make known His deeds among the peoples!”
–Psalm 105:1