Recently, on Instagram, I challenged my friends to capture moments they were thankful for everyday until Thanksgiving Day. I am amazed at how many people actually participated. But, I really did it for myself. I needed to pause everyday and find something that God has blessed me with. Sometimes I am so consumed with what I don't have; I completely forget what He has already given me.
Thanksgiving, should be much more than just a holiday we celebrate once a year; more than just eating fantastic food, family gatherings, Pilgrims and the Mayflower. Thanksgiving is an act, something that should be practiced everyday of our lives...to count the blessings one by one, everyday. I know it seems easy but if it was that easy, then why don't we do it? Why do feel discontent and have bad attitudes? Even worse we are always complaining about something.
Life is busy...it's hard to stop and be thankful during the hustle of our crazy schedule. We are so consumed with everything we have to do, we forget to pause and say thanks. When we have an ungrateful attitude, we miss out on a chance to live fully in every moment.
I think about my boys when they were infants. I rushed each stage of their little lives because I was so busy. I couldn't wait until they slept through the night so I could actually sleep through the night. I couldn't wait to stop breast feeding because a bottle was so much easier. I couldn't wait until they could sit up on their own so I didn't have to carry them on my hip all the time. I couldn't wait until they started eating real food so I didn't have to buy baby food. I couldn't wait until they drank cows milk so I could save money and not have to buy formula. I couldn't wait until they were out of diapers and potty trained. I just couldn't wait.
Now that they are nine and five, I wish I could rewind the time. I think about all that I missed because I didn't live fully in each of those moments. I wasn't thankful for what each stage had to offer. The blessings, memories, times of snuggle, the tiny cries, their dependence on me, the teachable moments. Instead of seeing these moments as gifts I saw them as conflicts with my schedule or to-do lists. How selfish right?
Here is another one for you. How is possible to give thanks when life gets hard? You get so weary the last thing you want to do is be thankful. How can we thank God when we feel like he has allowed you to go through so much? Most of the time we are so consumed with our own circumstance, we can't even see God, let alone express our thanks to him. However, each moment is from God, even the bad ones, and it is up to us whether we choose to see him and his gifts in these moments. Being thankful is the very thing that will bring us peace in the midst of a storm.
His word says numerous times in Psalms to give thanks. Give thanks to The Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever. He is good and faithful even in the hard times. It's in those hard times that he desires to show himself to us more than ever. So, if there's nothing else good in our life, He is good and faithful so give thanks...period!
Eucharisteo, a Greek word that means to give thanks. I have studied this word for the last 5 weeks. Its a word that brings joy, grace, and thanksgiving. I have stamped this word on my heart and it has forever changed me. Eucharisteo is a life style, a verb, an act that must be done daily. It's the only act that will bring back the joy I once had. The joy that life has taken from me. It's the only way I can live this life to the fullest...no longer rushing to the next stage, but fully taking in all that each moment has for me. Life is so short, we blink and it's over. Ann Voskamp who wrote One Thousand Gifts would say if we want to slow down time, just give thanks!
I challenge you to this eucharisteo lifestyle. It will change your attitude, your perspective. Write down your blessings; keep a journal of the gifts God gives you everyday. You will be surprised how it will change you thoughts and the joy you will receive from counting your blessings one by one. Happy Thanksgiving...everyday!
Love,
Charlyn
