Being Thankful

In the course of this school week, I have read my students a number of Thanksgiving stories.  One of my favourites is Mercer Mayer’s Being Thankful.  

The main character in this story repeatedly finds himself in situations where he wants more of something.  For example, he sees someone with a fancy scooter and he tells his mom he wants one.  His mother reminds him that he already has a scooter.  He eats an ice cream cone but someone else has a fancy sundae and so he wants that instead.  

Ultimately, the character grows and learns to be thankful for what he already has, but it takes a big turnaround in attitude.  

As I am reading this story to my students, I feel God hitting me right between the eyes.  How many times have I been like this character – wanting more and not being thankful for what I already have?  

Way too often.

While the desire to better our lives is not a problem, coveting what others have is.  

At the core of coveting is dissatisfaction.  This is not a happy feeling.  It is one that drags us down.  It permeates our being and creates an unhealthy attitude.

To turn this around, we need to focus on what God has already done in our lives.  If you really sit and think about it, the list is long.

King David gives us an example of what it means to live a thankful life:

“David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

‘Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.’”

(1 Chronicles 29:10-13 NIV)

Our lives are changed when we follow this pattern of thanksgiving.  Recognizing all that God has done for us is significant in improving our well-being.

Recently I have been made much more aware of how much I am blessed – but I also have realized how often I take that for granted or I want more.  Being satisfied with what God provides is huge.  

A thankful heart makes a huge difference.  It drives away fear.  It improves our demeanour as we look at the positive instead of the negative.  

Having a bad day?  Try this – start praising God for what He has already done for you.  It will change you.  

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