A Heart of Gratitude

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV

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Fall is by far my most favorite time of the year. I love to watch the leaves turn to magnificent rays of color. There is a crisp feeling in the air in the mornings which means sweater/sweatshirt weather for me! :) It is also the time when I get to put out all my fall decorations. I just love all the cute pumpkins, leaves, and scarecrows!

One of my fondest fall memories is sitting around my MawMaw’s kitchen table with my family at Thanksgiving. We had just said the blessing over the food and was about to dig in when my aunt started talking. She started sharing about what and who she was thankful for, then someone else shared what they were grateful for, then someone else. Before long, every person at the table had shared their thankful story and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

I was just a young mother when this took place but it really stuck with me. I want my children to have memories like this. I want to create an environment where our family focuses on our blessings and God’s goodness. I’ll be honest. I haven’t always cultivated an environment of gratefulness but I’m learning it is never too late to start.

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Our key verse says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34. We can start by being thankful that God is good – no matter what circumstances we walk through – His love is steadfast and sure! His love, mercy, goodness, and grace will never run out.

Friend, it’s hard to have a thankful heart during the trials. Many times, we don’t understand the why’s and the how’s of a particular situation but God’s goodness doesn’t change just because we are walking in a dark or trying season of life. God remains the same. I’m so thankful for that!

One of the best things we can instill in our kids is developing a heart of gratitude and the best way we can do that is to lead by example all year long, not just during Thanksgiving season. We develop a heart of gratitude when we choose to see the silver lining instead of the dark cloud. It comes down to a choice - how will I view my circumstance or situation? When we view our day through the lens of God’s goodness, we will start to see even more things to thank God for. What lens are you looking through? Does this lens reveal more of what you don’t have or more of what you do have? Does it showcase God’s goodness in your life? If it doesn’t, I encourage you to get a different lens!

 


God,

Thank you for reminding me that I need to lead by example by having a heart of gratitude in all things – no matter if they are big, small, good, or bad. I praise you for your goodness – you are good all the time and you are always working things for our good and your glory. Thank you for your love that remains steadfast and sure. Help me to focus on my blessings and let that overflow to my family and the people I am surrounded with on a daily basis. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Dig Deeper:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV


Reflection:

What are you thankful for? Share in the comments or on our Facebook or Instagram page!

What will you do today to develop more of a heart of gratitude and how will you share that with your children?