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It’s that time of year again where we focus on being thankful. As I reflect on where we were last year and where we are this year, the words thankful, grateful and blessed come to mind.
Both thankful and grateful are adjectives that have similar meanings. To be thankful means to be appreciative or to express gratitude and grateful has the same meaning, but also means pleasing to the mind or senses. The word blessed is often thought to mean receipt of material things, but it actually means happy or content, and spiritually it means to be empowered.
I’m thankful for life. So many are no longer here with us.
I’m thankful for health. Many are literally fighting for their lives.
I’m thankful for love. The love of God and the love of family and true friends.
I’m thankful for family. To still have my parents is truly a gift from God.
I’m thankful for peace. Many are battling depression or suicidal thoughts.
I’m grateful for the smell of a thanksgiving meal.
I’m blessed to be able to spend time with my grandchildren.
These verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TLB sum it up:
16 Always be joyful. 17 Always keep on praying. 18 No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed, but first comes obedience...
