These weekend features are to remind us of all the INGs of life. The Doing. The Nothing. The Speaking (of the Holy Spirit). The Listening (of our hearts).

STILL GIVING THANKS (although some are already shopping) —

Yesterday was gloriously rich in its proclamations of gratefulness.

We paused. We stopped.

Some were quick to speak. Some hemmed and hawed searching for the right words.

But as a nation, a people richly blessed, we took a moment (or several moments depending on how many people were around your table) to say, “Thanks.”

Thankfulness for friends and family, for dogs and cats, for jobs, and new babies. Thankfulness for blessing, provision and protection. Working cars, wonderful teachers, and warm houses. For salvation, grace, and forgiveness that knows no bounds. {Insert your own “I’m thankful for _________” particulars here.}

But now we’ve reached today, still slightly full from our multiple plates of turkey and potatoes, with an impressive finale of Pumpkin Salted Carmel Thumbprint Cookies, gooey brownies, and homemade apple pie (completely drowned in whipped cream of course), our minds lingering peacefully on yesterday’s delectable treats.

We’ve already forgotten about all those nice heart-warming declarations.

Gone are the thoughtful reflections and gentle mullings of God’s grace.

And in their place is an eagerness. A zest to tackle the next holiday.

But before we put away all the little pumpkins, pilgrims, and fall leaves, let’s take a moment and chew on some Scriptures proclaiming the importance of giving thanks, revealing ways we can go about doing just that in our everyday.

“Give generously…and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” – Deuteronomy 15:10

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” – Psalm 40:5

“…see that you also excel in this GRACE of GIVING.” – 2 Corinthians 8:7

“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16

As we go out or stay in today, may we carry this Attitude of Gratitude along with us, wherever we go. In the hustle. In the bustle. In the quiet and the crazy. Hearts spilling over with thanks.

May this Black Friday be transformed into a Blessed Friday, full of please and thank yous, gentleness and kindness, and overflowing with thankfulness to the One who gives us such abundant life.

And all the people said “Amen.”

For more thoughts on thankfulness and having an attitude of gratitude, check out Monday’s post: When Gratitude Governs Your Attitude.

Until next time…

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Anne-Renee Gumley

Anne-Renee is a full-time mom who works part-time at her family's party store. She has two children who keep her laughing, a husband who keeps her smiling, and an itch for writing that just won't go away.

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