Filled with Thanks

I like visual aids. I think that’s why I like the parables that Jesus shared in so many sermons. Practical application of spiritual principles.

Thankful – to be filled with thanks! What a great way to look at a Tuesday morning, full of thanks!! Thankful that there was a bed to sleep in last night, thankful for the roof over my head, thankful for a cup of hot coffee, thankful for the love of my family, thankful for the sunrise that is coming, thankful that I am safe and thankful for my family that loves me but most thankful for my Father God who has promised to never leave me or forsake me.

Thankful that He’s always there and there is no place, none, that I go that He will not be with me – yes, I’m thankful!

“Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body.[And always be thankful.

16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:14-16 ERV

This morning I’m going to encourage you to start a new tradition or maybe expand upon the one you already have. Here are two ideas. The point is to focus on things you are thankful for and create a visual reminder.

1. A Gratitude Jar – Get a mason jar or other large-mouth jar, write the word thanks on the outside. Cut up some pieces of brightly colored paper and leave them on your kitchen counter, coffee table or even your desk at work. Throughout the month of November, write a one-word comment of something you are thankful for and put it in the jar. Ask your family or work mates to join in. Then at the Thanksgiving table pass the jar around and let each person take out a note and read what it says.
2. A Praise Pumpkin – Go to Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or anywhere that sells Thanksgiving decor. Buy an artificial pumpkin of good size, and a black sharpie. Instead of writing on a slip of paper, write your one word on the pumpkin. This is something that you can use year after year as a table decoration at Thanksgiving.

We used to sing a song about a grateful heart. “Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He’s given, Christ His Son”. It seems that King David sang similar songs to the Lord.

“With all my heart I praise you, Lord. In the presence of angels  I sing your praises. ² I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. ³ When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.” Psalm 138 CEV

Be grateful – be thankful – be full of thanks. It’s contagious!