Thanksgiving is more than a national holiday — it is a reminder to pause, reflect and thank God for His goodness. Yet, in the busyness of life, we often overlook the very blessings we should be grateful for. David wrote in Psalm 103:2, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” That phrase reminds us that we have a tendency to forget. We may be blessed, no, we are blessed— and yet we still complain. We may have more than most people in the world — and still think we lack something. Gratitude doesn’t come naturally — we often have to be intentional about it.
Consider a few everyday examples of how blessed we truly are. Are dishes piled in the sink? You are blessed — this means you had plenty of food to eat. Is the laundry never ending? You are blessed — you have more clothes than you can wear in a week. Did you have to move one vehicle so another could get out of the driveway? You are blessed — you have transportation while many walk miles each day.
Did you work longer hours this week? You are blessed — God has provided you with a job to care for your family. Did you step on a toy your child left on the floor? You are blessed — you can walk, and your child is healthy enough to play and “make a mess.” Do you need to clean the house? You are blessed — you have a place to call home. Are your children getting on your last nerve? You are blessed — many long for the sound of children in their home and never receive that gift. Did your spouse frustrate you this week? You are blessed — someone else is grieving the deep pain of losing theirs. And did you wake up this morning and read this article? You are blessed — God has given you the gift of another day.
Sometimes, even without realizing it, we complain about our greatest blessings. We focus on what’s wrong and forget what’s right. We count burdens instead of benefits. Yet the Bible reminds us that God has filled our lives with good things — far more than we could ever deserve.
That doesn’t mean life is perfect. Being thankful doesn’t ignore the difficulties and pressures we all face. But as believers, we have the assurance that God is with us in both the mountains and the valleys. Thankfulness is not about pretending everything is okay — it’s about recognizing that God is still good even when life is not.
When we slow down long enough to count our blessings, we quickly discover how many we truly have. The songwriter said it well: “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” A grateful heart doesn’t change our circumstances — but it will always change our perspective.
So this Thanksgiving — let’s do just that. Before the turkey is carved… before the parade or football game… before the nap… let’s take time to thank God. Let’s not allow complaining to replace our gratitude. Let’s not forget the good things God has done. Each blessing we recognize brings joy back into places where frustration has tried to take over.
If the only prayer we offered this week was, “Thank You, Lord,” it would still be enough. Because a thankful heart honors God. A thankful spirit lifts our attitude. And a thankful life points others to the goodness of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 107:1 says, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” That verse does not tell us to give thanks only when everything is going our way — but in all situations and at all times, because God’s mercy and love never fail.
May we live every day in the spirit of Thanksgiving — acknowledging the goodness, grace, and gifts that God has poured into our lives. From my family and our church family at Southside Baptist Church — we pray you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving.
And remember… today, you are blessed.
