…always
giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.1
Gratitude
is good for you! There are so many things to be thankful for, from seasonal
treats to colorful fall leaves. An attitude of gratitude is a powerful mental
tool to practice, not just at Thanksgiving but all through the year. Whether
those things are great or small, and whether they involve our loved ones or
just a simple pleasure, showing gratitude in everything is a much-needed
positive boost we can all use. Counting our blessings is a great way to reflect
on the challenges we’ve faced lately and how God brought us through " and how
the two are connected.
So
allow yourself to take a “gratitude moment”. Thank the Lord for your family and
the opportunity to spend some extra time with them during the holidays "even
when it’s difficult, try to focus on all the things you love about your
beautiful, funny, and a little crazy clan. Thank the Lord for friends who are
like family. Tell them how grateful you are for their friendship and how much
fuller your life is with them in it. Thank the Lord for peace. If you are
reading this, then you are likely in a place that is relatively safe and in
these chaotic times, peace and safety are something to be grateful for. Thank
the Lord for your health. And if you're lacking it today, claim healing in
Jesus’ name! Thank the Lord for smiles from strangers. This small and sometimes
unlikely thing has the power to change your entire day. Maybe it’s you that can
offer a smile and make someone’s day! Thank the Lord for gratitude. The fact
that we have things to be thankful for makes us rich beyond compare! So, what
are you thankful for today?
Suggested
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, In this season of Thanksgiving, I thank you for
your ultimate gift of Salvation. Thank you for the roof over my head and those
who sit around my table. May we always be grateful to the God of all Creation
who gives in abundance. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV).
Today’s
Encounter was written by: Veronica B.