Although Thursday, November 24 has been designated as the day that we set aside to give thanks, we should actually live in a constant state of thanksgiving and not simply reserve gratitude for a special occasion or day. Too often Thanksgiving is the only day that we intentionally set aside time to remember how truly blessed we really are. Throughout the year we desire to do more and have more. When that “more” does not happen we often find ourselves complaining and at times even becoming bitter or angry. However, on Thanksgiving Day we remember just how much God has helped us through. The reality starts to set in that in spite of not having everything we wanted, we certainly got everything we needed; that fact being evidenced by the reality that we are still here. In spite of the hurts, pains, struggles, heartaches, heartbreaks, set-ups, and setbacks, we are still here. This revelation alone should be enough to confirm that a heart of gratefulness should be a constant. It should not be reserved for special occasions such as holidays or personal victories. But it should be a lifestyle. We should live in a thankful state. No matter what, the truth is, God has been good to us, in spite of us. God has continued to keep, cover, protect, lead, and guide. Even when we called Him a “gut feeling” or labeled His voice as “something told me,” it was God and God alone that brought us through. God consistently sees us somewhere in the future where we look much better than we look right now. Because of that, He has looked past our selfishness and negative hang-ups and walked with us anyway. This should cause us all to make thanksgiving every day. While Thanksgiving Day is certainly needed, let’s not end it there – but let’s keep the heart of thanksgiving going and make every day Thanksgiving Day. We do not deserve God’s goodness, but He has been good to us anyway. We have so much to be thankful for!
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