Four Remarkable Ways To Give Thanks This Season
After Christmas, my next favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I mean, this holiday suggests family, roasted turkeys, pumpkin pies, and a time for reflection and gratitude. As we all know, gratitude is a lifestyle and to see a whole nation choose a particular day to practice and celebrate this lifestyle is simply amazing.
It is no news that a particular year cannot be great for everyone. Therefore, it is true that 2023 might not have been what some expected it to be.
However, from God’s word, we are admonished to give thanks in all situation. Because even when a year or a situation is not favorable, if we look closely, we will see God’s hand in it. And have a million and one reasons to thank God.
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
Additionally, giving thanks despite challenging circumstances moves God to action. It shows complete dependency on Him and His word.
Also, gratitude this period is more than just lifted hands in worship or sharing food with family. It cuts across every aspect of your life including your disposition to life and the world at large. Essentially, your general way of living should be a testament of God’s love and glory. Consequently, a praise song to God.
With that in mind, these are remarkable ways to give thanks to God through your actions this season:
- Volunteer your time and skills: One thing gratitude makes you do is to want to give back to others. Offering your time and skills to help in shelters or charity homes symbolizes thoughtfulness and compassion. This implies gratitude and appreciation to Him for the “simple blessing” like the time and skills He has given you, thereby motivating you to share with others, no matter how basic they might seem.
- Create a gratitude jar: I know you would go, “obviously, it is Thanksgiving!”
But creating a gratitude jar for family and friends go beyond mouthing “Happy Thanksgiving” because it is the season. Making a gratitude jar is a thoughtful activity that suggests bonding, reflection and appreciation. With gratitude jars, everyone is encouraged to pause, think, and write down what they are thankful for on small pieces of paper and place them in the jar. It may be a simple task but it goes a long way in fostering familial harmony and appreciation.
- Share a thoughtful meal with those in need: A sad truth is that not everyone will have food to eat this thanksgiving. It is frustrating but it is the truth. Hence, if it is in your capacity to give, organizing a meal-sharing program is the perfect thank you to God this season.
Here, you extend a hand of love and affection to those who may be less fortunate. Remember His word says that when we give to the needy, we give to Him. So, tell me a better way to appreciate Him this season than by giving to those He cares about.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 19:17 NKJV
- Donate to a cause you are passionate about: Thanksgiving is an important and meaningful holiday. By celebrating it, we are gathering together to celebrate God’s impact in our lives. In the same way, donating to a cause or charity that resonates with you is simply trying to extend the impact to others.
Whether it is supporting education or healthcare, contributing to a cause you are passionate about opens a door for you to make a positive impact in the world from your corner.
While we enjoy our turkeys and pumpkin pies, we should also ensure that we show gratitude in our thoughts and deeds. Embrace the richness of gratitude, spread warmth to those around you, and have a truly remarkable Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving.
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