An Attitude of Gratitude

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, because this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

When you hear the word "thanksgiving" what are the first things that come to mind? For most, I imagine that they think of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, family, friends, football and over-eating.

While this isn't incorrect, there is a bigger picture to the word thanksgiving than just one day a year. To see the bigger picture it requires us to make an attitude adjustment.

Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to live with an attitude of gratitude, which basically means to always be thankful. God's Word shows us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that it's God's will or plan for us to be thankful at all times.

Life isn't always going to be cheerful sunshine, but that doesn't mean that our attitude should get dark. No matter how bad life may seem, there is always something to be thankful for.

Consider the fact that Jesus died for us so that we could live eternally. Jesus gave up His life when He had just begun to live; He was only 33 years old. Jesus gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive: eternal life! When I remember this truth how can I be depressed, disappointed or down?

This Thanksgiving Holiday, stop and thank Jesus for making it possible for us to enjoy life, and then carry that attitude of gratitude into each day of the year. After all, being thankful is God's will for our life.