Thanksgiving holiday which is mostly celebrated in the western culture, for many women, it can quickly derail us from the spirit of the celebration; which is being thankful. With all the preparation as we receive or go to visit, it’s easy to forget the essence of this event. Originally it was a harvest festival where farmers were thankful for a bountiful harvest after their labour.

The Bible says in James 1:17 all good gifts are from God. What’s more in Ephesians 5:20 God instructs us to always give thanks for all things. Like these ancient farmers who were grateful for their harvest, we can look back at the year which is winding down and acknowledge that all good gifts we have received so far, are from God, and not out of our own efforts or merit. We should also always be thankful even for the not so great things that had come our way because they had in one way or another forged our character and made us better. Three things to consider this Thanksgiving:

• Being content: someone said; a thankless spirit wants things now. Rather than being impatient, we need to learn to love the journey we are on more than the point of arrival; to learn to embrace trust rather than control. There is a supernatural power in expressing our thanksgiving to God that brings divine multiplication. In Timothy 6:8 it says, “and having food and raiment let us, therefore, be content.”

• Choosing gratitude rather than complaining: Gratitude opens our eyes to the abundance of what we have whereas murmuring and complaining focuses on our lack and desire for more. Complaining makes us believe we deserve more, and as such leads us to anxiety and lack of peace. Gratitude makes us feel privileged as we look at all we have as being graciously given, and not merited.

• Giving thanks through generosity: Dr. Stanley says if we are truly grateful for what we receive, we’ll gladly share our time, money, gifts and resources. It is easy to become possessive of what we deem ours, forgetting that it is actually from God; then, with an attitude of selfishness, we might hold His blessing tightly.

This Thanksgiving let us look around us, and if there is someone we know that is alone, invite them over to show them that we are thankful for them. Make an intentional effort to be thankful for your family, friends and even colleagues by specifically telling them what you are thankful for in them, and watch the impact it will have in your life and theirs. Happy Thanksgiving as you enjoy God’s goodness!