THANKSGIVING MUST BE THOUGHTFUL

One of the simple things I do at the end of every year and the beginning of a new year is to reflect on significant relationships in my life and how they blessed me. I intentionally make a list of what they did that truly blessed me and share how it blessed me. I send a note of appreciation to those people. 

Beloved, saying a blanket “thank you for all you do” shows a lack of intentionality. How would you send a general “thank you” broadcast message to everyone? It shows you are not ready to be intentional. Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in thoughtfulness and must be intentionally expressed. 

Wait a minute. Look at the Psalmist. He has lessons for us: 

First, he knows that Thanksgiving is something our soul can overlook, so he tells his soul to “bless the Lord”. 

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

Psalm 103:1 KJV

Second, he knows that forgetfulness can hinder Thanksgiving, so he tells his soul to not forget all the benefits.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:”

Psalm 103:2 KJV

Third, he knows that Thanksgiving must be intentional. He begins listing the benefits one after the other. He uses the remaining verses to list specifically what the Lord did—forgiveness, healing, deliverance, provision, and much more. 

That is how to give thanks! 

All these, “Thank you for all you do,” should stop. If you want to be grateful, show that you are thoughtful. 

The elders would say, “It is the one who knows how to think who would also know how to give thanks or show gratitude”. 

Thanksgiving is not for the mediocre mind. Thanksgiving is not for the lazy mind. 

Thanksgiving says a lot about you. 

Be grateful!