7 Ways to Say Thanks!
The sun is shining. Leaves are turning bright red and yellow across the landscape. Tourists mill along the little streets. We’re in Blue Ridge, GA again, one of my favorite spots here in the Blue Ridge mountains. I take my eyes off the landscape and see all my children and grandchildren (except one grandchild at college) enjoying the cool mountain breeze as we walk through the tiny town together. My heart is so filled with gratitude to the Lord that we are here, it feels like it might explode. What a gift! They gathered from N.C., S.C., and D.C. to be with me on my birthday.
One weekend in the span of a lifetime, but one I won’t forget! I am truly and deeply grateful for the sacrifices each made to exit their busy lives by driving many miles, coming in late at night after a long day at work, or leaving a celebration with friends to travel and visit me. All I can say is “Thanks!”
It’s Your Choice.
But I had a choice in how I looked at the event. Instead of feeling overwhelmingly grateful I could have focused on the fact that though they are here now, none of them will be with us for Thanksgiving and we will be alone. We will probably create our own “Friendsgiving” with other empty nesters, but I have a choice. I can choose gratitude or self-pity. I chose to be grateful. I chose to say “thanks” with all my heart to my kids without making them feel guilty for being unable to be with us for Thanksgiving. I was genuinely grateful.
Gratitude Brings Peace.
It’s interesting in one of my favorite verses when talking about anxiety, God slips an interesting phrase into the center of the verse, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” ( Phil. 4:6). Amazing He tells us to be thankful to Him even when we’re anxious and things don’t go our way. Is it because we can be assured, He hears us when we pray?
And what is His promise when we do pray with thanksgiving? “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:7).
Seven Ways to Say Thanks.
1. Tell Someone.
You may assume people know you’re thankful—but maybe they don’t. Say it out loud.
Tell your children, spouse, coworker, and friend how much you genuinely appreciate them and tell them why. Simple, sincere words like “I’m so thankful for you. Your smile lights up my day” can strengthen your relationship and encourage others.
2. Write It Down.
Do the unexpected. You be the one to send the rare handwritten note or card of thanks. When your children or friends go out of their way—like mine just did driving long hours to celebrate my birthday—put your gratitude into words. When you write your thanks, they become keepsakes that remind others of how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them.
3. Choose Gratitude Over Comparison and Self-Pity.
When expectations become disappointments (like loved ones not being home for Thanksgiving), shift your focus. Instead of dwelling on who isn’t there, thank God for the love that binds you even when you’re apart. And thank Him for special plans or activities He might bring to mind that you can do during that time.
4. Thank God Regardless of Circumstances.
It feels unnatural to thank God even when times are difficult, but do it because He is always good, His love unconditional and permanent, and He is always working everything for your good and His glory even when you can’t see it. Do what feel unnatural. Say thank you, Lord for Your Presence and love regardless of circumstances.
5. Share Your Gratitude Story.
It’s amazing how sharing your gratitude story helps others look for and appreciate the same in their lives. Tell others how God has blessed you. You remind them to notice their blessings and give God thanks with you.
6. Serve Someone Else.
Gratitude grows through generosity. Serving others expresses gratitude and turns thanksgiving into action. Take your neighbor some Thanksgiving Day treats. Volunteer to help someone in need at a charitable organization. Provide a Thanksgiving meal to someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford one. I love it when grocery stores help you donate money or food to help a needy family.
7. Create Traditions of Thanks.
Start a new family transition. Do what we did when I raised my children. Go around the table and share one thing you’re thankful for. It reminds everyone that God is blessing us always as we trust and walk with Jesus daily.
We pray that Your Refreshed Life is one filled with thanksgiving and gratitude. If it’s not, decide to change that this year. Look for ways to enrich your life by making thanksgiving a lifestyle, not just a holiday!
