Thanksgiving as a solution to life’s problems

I was in a meeting with some friends and one of them commented that fantasy was the opposite of gratitude. When we have a fantasy about anything – More Money, A Better Car or Motorcycle, That Woman at the office, Etc. we are in effect saying that reality is not enough and that God’s provision is not sufficient. This kind of thinking always leads to comparison of ourselves and others or our stuff and their stuff and then to resentment towards others, God and ourselves.

Thanksgiving on the other hand is based in reality as we focus on the blessing in our life we are saying I have enough. Cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude makes it possible to stop looking at other for what we can get from them or for reasons to resent them for what they have. Instead, it allows us to look at others and ask “what can I give?” It is an attitude that says with David in Psalm 23 “I shall not want” or I shall not be left wanting for any good thing because God is my shepherd and he is really good at being a shepherd so much so that he knows more about what I need than I ever will.

God is a giver… He gave His son while we were his mortal enemies. He gives life, sunshine, rain, good soil and crops. Since we are made in His image we too are designed to be givers. Gratitude makes giving possible as compared to ingratitude which turns our hearts to focus on taking.

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving but one day a year is not enough because without thanksgiving my heart and soul wither in the muck of self seeking and self will and in that diminished state I am little more than a mean spirited greedy old man. When I practice gratitude as a daily discipline my heart grows and I live in peace and joy looking for opportunity to give of myself to others knowing God will always care for me.

I hope this Thanksgiving Day is filled with joy for you and is a start to a life filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.