Like many of you, I’ve been thinking quite a lot this month about Thanksgiving;  not only the planning of meals and times to get together with family and friends, but actually thinking about all that I have to be thankful for: family, friends, a home, etc; not to forget foremost- Jesus.  It’s because of Him that I learned to be ever-mindful of the blessings of God.

When we allow our heart to rule us then we will live a life of thankfulness.

When we allow attitudes to rule us then our level of gratefulness will decline into grumbling and complaining.

Attitudes are based on our emotions, our thoughts, and what is happening around us, but true thankfulness is a decision based on the condition of our heart, regardless of what is happening in our lives or emotions.

For me it was and continues to be a choice between how I sometimes just want to be and how God wants me to be.  It’s a test of wills: my will or God’s will.  And trust me, His will is always better!  When I keep my priorities the way they should be, then regardless of what’s going on in my life, my level of thankfulness remains at a level that brings praise to God.

True thankfulness is a lifestyle not a seasonal attitude! 

1 Chronicles 16:34 – Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 30:4 – Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.