As Thanksgiving creeps closer on the calendar, we all get a bit sentimental with gratitude. We launch commitments to “30 days of gratitude” on social media, sharing what we’re thankful for.
Suddenly, we become better at remembering the little things we take for granted. We pay closer attention, searching for small blessings we often miss or have just grown used to. And we try to start a fresh pattern of gratitude (if even for 30 days), hoping it will inspire others to do the same. We may even start a gratitude list!
But in the span of Christendom, our American holiday of Thanksgiving is a mere blip on the timeline, not just historically, but year-round. The 30 days come and go, the holiday is enjoyed, we tuck our gratitude list away, and we’re onto what’s next. But our lives are meant to be overflowing with thanksgiving, no matter the time of year.
In fact, the Christian’s whole life is supposed to be one of gratitude.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
It’s easy to assign gratitude and thanksgiving only to the season that bears the name. In addition, it’s tempting (even for Christians) to just give thanks for the typical blessings. You know them. They’re the blessings that look like blessings to anyone, no matter what their faith…
A home, nice things, good food, our families, a good friend…
All these are blessings to be sure. They’re easy to identify.
But what about the “blessings” that are harder to notice…
A financial struggle that’s increasing your dependence on God. A health issue with no answers that opens your eyes to your own weakness and God’s strength. A difficult relationship that’s teaching you to love when it’s hard. A hardship that revealed a hidden idol in your life.
THESE, friends, THESE kinds of blessings are what make us stand out. These are the ones that set those who belong to Christ apart from those who don’t.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
When we acknowledge that we are already triumphant in Christ, these moments of gratitude and thanksgiving are the ones that make us a fragrance of Christ to the world. These are the blessings who’s testimonies heal, minister, and comfort those around us. This kind of gratitude has the power to change lives.
Anyone can be thankful for a sweet child. Not everyone can be thankful for the prodigal son. Anyone can be thankful for a warm home. Not everyone can be thankful for the sacrifice to buy it. Anyone can be thankful for food. Not everyone can be thankful for the sparse pantry that used to overflow.
As believers, we must choose, in faith, to thank God for it ALL. We don’t need to enjoy it all. So many of these things are painful, stretching, and uncomfortable. But we do need to go deep with God and choose the gratitude when all evidence points to hopelessness.
Having a heart of thanksgiving like that takes practice, intentionality, and faith.
As believers, we’re called to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) and one of the ways we preach the word is by proclaiming his goodness, faithfulness, and love in any and all circumstances, both “in season and out of season”…when blessings look obvious and when we must search carefully for them.
So because I know we all need help to begin this new way of living in gratitude, I’ve developed a simple resource just for you.
Click here to download the “Free Gratitude List Printables for Every Season”!
My gift to you: FREE Gratitude List Printables for Every Season
To help all of us foster a LIFE of Thanksgiving (instead of just a 30-day season once a year), I’ve developed for you a set of FREE gratitude list printables for every season. The printable contains 4 beautiful pages, each with seasonal images, that will remind you to be thankful “in season and out of season”.
Each printable gratitude list has a Bible verse related to giving thanks and I want to challenge you to go deep with God as you write your lists. Ask him to fill you with faith to see everything with gratitude. Ask him to surprise you with what comes to mind and to help you be thankful in the midst of trials. I have no doubt he’ll help you see his active hand in your life and the goodness of his character.
Let’s continue to give thanks for all those little blessings. They are from the Lord for sure. But let’s go beyond, becoming the fragrance of Christ through our genuine gratitude in all seasons of life.
To download the “Free Gratitude List Printables for Every Season”, click here.
What difficult season in your life left you with a supernatural sense of gratitude? Comment below!
