Although 2017 has flown by, it hasn’t been such a “breeze” for many. With all of the negative reminders that might be lingering around you this holiday season, you might not be feeling very “thankful”. Natural disasters have occurred more than a few times in the country most of us reading this call home. Family members & friends of yours, both young and old might of passed away. A relationship or friendship that you thought would last a lifetime might of ended. Nevertheless, if you are reading this- I promise you- you have so, SO much to be thankful for. Below are reasons to prove this to you, if you can’t think of any yourself.
One: You’re alive.
If you are reading this, that right there is a “praise break” in itself. If you are reading this right now, you are alive. You still have blood in your veins, are breathing, & your eyesight is still in tact. If you’re reading this- this should be a simple reminder that God is not done with you yet! You still have amazing things that you have yet to accomplish here on earth. Which leads to my next reason: if you are reading this, then you have a purpose.
“You are the salt of the earth…” – Matthew 5:13
Two: You have a purpose
Everyone has a purpose. Even if you don’t know yours yet (which is totally okay), you still have one. A purpose does not mean you were destined for fame- it simply means that you were created to do something great. “Great” can mean different things to different people. For some “great” means becoming a doctor and curing cancer. For others, “great” to them means being the best 3rd grade teacher there ever was. Whatever your idea of “great” is, remember that it is yours. We are all here to accomplish different things, no two purposes or dreams are quite exactly the same. If you are reading this, you have a purpose (even if you don’t know it yet)- which is for sure something to look forward to.
Three: Be thankful for the little things
Regardless of how “crappy” your year might of been so far, instead of focusing on all of things that have gone wrong this year- try to focus on all of the things that have gone right! You’ve woken up every morning to see another day, despite how many times you may not of wanted to get out of bed. You’ve had good times- whether you realize (or even want to realize) it or not. When we constantly focus on the bad, we lose sight of the good. We take advantage of the small victories that we are blessed with on a daily basis.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”- Philippians 4:4
Four: Be thankful for protection
Many times, we see things not working out how we wanted as a hindrance, when really it could just be protection. Have you ever looked back at a situation that ended a certain way that you might not of wanted at the time, but are sooo thankful for now? I have- for sure! If I would of gotten of the things I wanted a few years ago, I would not be where I am now. This Thanksgiving, be thankful for your now. Be happy for your path- it is uniquely yours and yours alone. We live in a era of comparison- we are always comparing our lives to others, wishing that we had more of something in some sort of way. Don’t compare your life to story to someone else’s highlight reel. Be thankful for your own story- no one else is able to share it the way you can!
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,” – Psalms 107:8
Even if your not feeling this holiday season- at least one of these (I hope) you can agree with!
