Season of Thankfulness

“Give thanks in all circumstances…”  1 Thessalonians 5:18
I love November.  I love the Facebook challenges to post one thing you are thankful for each day of the month.  All because the Thanksgiving holiday falls on the fourth Thursday.  The Pilgrims began the tradition as an opportunity to thank God for their bountiful harvest.  It was a time for them to see the fruits of their labor.  All of the hard work they had poured into planting, nourishing and harvesting their crops.
I practice thankfulness daily in the form of a gratitude journal.  I started it in January of 2014.  It has truly transformed my life.  It helps me put into practice Phillipians 4:6-8:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I start by being thankful.  It is amazing, how no matter what circumstance you find yourself in today, you can find something to thank God for in it.  You don’t have to thank God for the circumstance, look for the blessing IN it.
I didn’t thank God the day my precious Cody died at the young age of 20 for the circumstance I had hoped I would never have to encounter.  I did however thank Him for the friends and family who were there for me on that day.  They lifted me up.  They cared for me.  They were God in the flesh to me as they wrapped their arms around me and let me grieve.
I didn’t thank God for losing my job.  I did thank Him for my husband He gave me who supported me as I started my own business as a result.
I didn’t thank God for the car accident which totaled the car.  I did thank Him for the insurance He had provided which covered all of the costs.
Bad things are promised to happen.  Jesus tells us so in John 16:33  “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  One way we can overcome our troubles is by developing an attitude of gratitude.
If we make Thanksgiving a part of our everyday life instead of just the fourth Thursday in November it will transform you.  It will help you find God in the midst of whatever circumstance you find yourself the center.  It will help you know you are never alone, never forsaken, never forgotten.
You can start today.  You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving.  Instead of just doing it in November, why not do it everyday?  Let thanksgiving become a part of your daily life.  Then watch as your life is transformed!