This is Thanksgiving week. Everyone is hurrying around to purchase all the items needed for their wonderful dinner they plan to cook for their family and friends. It seems to me at this time of year that people realize their blessings. Of course, we know that there are some among us who may have more than we do, and hopefully everyone also knows there are many who have less. However, in either case we are told in First Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all things. That means there is always something we can be grateful for no matter what circumstances or trials we may be facing.

For me the most important thing to remember and be thankful for is the fact that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. He is my healer and counselor, and my friend as well. When we have Jesus in our heart, there are many blessings available to us through God’s promises and our faith in His Word. His promises are true and He is true to His Word.

As I write this, I am remembering a song we used to sing in church many years ago called “Count Your Blessings”. The verses give the message that even in the midst of a tempest trial or problem, even in when we are discouraged, or feel burdened with care or conflict, we are to count our blessings. We are to name them one by one.

Perhaps, this Thanksgiving, while the family and friends are together sharing the good food – there should be a change in the compliments of how good the meal has been -to naming the blessings we have in our lives. Whether we are walking on the mountain top of “everything is going good” or walking through the “valley of not so good”, if we change the focus of our thoughts, we can find a reason to be thankful. If its the mountain top you’re on, give thanksgiving and praise to God. If its more of a valley you’re in, give thanksgiving and praise to God for the victory yet to come.

I challenge you to see how many things you can be grateful for this week. Every day set time aside to be mindful of all the blessings of God in your life.  Write them down and review them from time to time. I’m starting my “Thankful List” today.

1 Chronicles 16:34 — Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 29:13 — Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 7:17 — I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.