Keeping a Grateful Heart
It’s been a while since my last post. I have found myself extremely busy lately preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with fulfilling my regular wifely and motherly duties. I’ve missed interacting with you all so much. I’ve been pondering, the subject matter for this blog entry for quite some time. What better time than now to write about keeping a grateful heart, especially since Thanksgiving is right around the corner?
Everyday should be a day of thanksgiving in the lives of Christians. We should be thankful for everything (both big and small) God does in our lives. When we feel the desire to complain, we need only to remember the huge sacrificial gift God the Father gave us through His son Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus Christ willingly suffered the horrible death of the cross, that we may live eternally. This thought alone should cause the believer to keep a grateful heart at all times.
Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year for us. Both my husband and I come from huge families. My husband has four sisters and two brothers and so do I. That’s right! We both have 6 siblings and a host of nieces and nephews. We love spending time with them, reminiscing about old times and eating lots of delicious food. My children love playing games with all of their cousins.
I did not always view having a large family as a blessing. As a matter of fact, I saw it as just the opposite. I felt as if it were a burden, especially since we shared almost everything. I didn’t know God was using my family to teach me the art of giving and being considerate. Over the years God has shown me when life revolves around your wants and desires, it is very easy to become selfish. I’ve grown to realize just how blessed I am to have such a large loving family.
If you are blessed to have a loving family, I encourage you to be thankful and give to others who are less fortunate. Perhaps, you know someone who suffers from holiday depression. If you feel comfortable doing so, invite them over to share Thanksgiving dinner with you and your family. You could also volunteer at a homeless shelter or give to a local food bank.
The holiday season can be very difficult for some. Many people suffer from severe holiday depression. Some may have lost loved ones while others may feel lonely and/or disconnected from loved ones.
Sharing with others, keeps us from becoming selfish. It also causes us to be more grateful and appreciative of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Sometimes, we may feel as though we have it so bad until we see the struggle someone else is having. It is then, we realize just how fortunate we are.
There are times when we all need someone to help us along life’s journey. Maybe, you are battling with depression and/or feelings of loneliness. I encourage you to reach out to the people who love you. If you feel as though no one loves you, I want you to know God loves you so much. Don’t suffer alone. I’ve found, in my lowest moments, what I need most is the strength and love of God as well as my family and friends.
My prayer is that you will enjoy a Thanksgiving that is filled with the peace, love and joy from above. I pray God will meet every need and bless you to have sweet fellowship with your family and/or friends. Most importantly, I pray today and everyday that you will keep a grateful heart.
May the light of God shine in you!
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
In what other ways do you feel we can bless others?
