Thanksgiving is more than a day. It’s a way of life.
You might be stuffed, stressed, and ready to sleep all day, but don’t fall into the trap of just going back to business as usual, and going through the self-centered motions of American holidays. Thankful is your new normal.
“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God…” -Psalm 50:14
What if your primary “religious” activity was that of being thankful? What if, instead of hoops, hurdles, and handshakes, you practiced gratitude as a way of life?
Jesus also said something similar to the lyric above:
“Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” -Matthew 9:13
People who know they are “sinners”—or in need of a generous Savior— God—are grateful people. And they’re grateful because this God gives them mercy and grace before they even ask for it.
What would it look like to stay thankful? Like, gratitude being your default setting… When you’re stuck, you hold down both buttons and reset to gratitude.
… Before you eat, you say thanks.
… Before you buy, you check your gratitude attitude.
… Before you get up, you get your spirit up with thankfulness.
… Before you hit send or click submit, you check your heart: “Is this something a THANKFUL person would say or send?”
Thanksgiving isn’t a day. It’s a way.
Maybe we can learn to become THANKFUL as the new normal.