Some would say that it's sad that we focus on being thankful one time a year. I would say, that although hopefully, we are thankful every day and give our thanks to God, that this time of year helps to serve as a reminder just how much there is to be thankful for!
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.
As November is approaching quickly, I began thinking a week or so back about how it's almost 'that time' again. As I considered it while perusing my Facebook news feed however, I felt God prod me to do more.
I was convicted to not only write one thing for which I am thankful each day in November, but also to strive to not complain.
Complain, complain, complain. How easy our pet peeves, annoyances and gripes roll off the tongue (and fingers). "We need to vent!" we'll reason. Yes, it's true, I feel the need to vent sometimes too. But have you ever signed onto Facebook for a quick minute before work just to check in and at the end of that minute feel annoyed or almost depressed over all of the negative posts in your news feed?
What if, ... what if, instead of just posting what we are thankful for that day, we also endeavor to keep our posts positive for the whole month? How would that make us feel individually, not to give into that grumpy voice in our heads? How would it make us feel to see primarily happy, positive posts in our news feeds?
Now of course, things will come up. People will have real needs, hurts and problems. I'm talking about giving up for one month, posting about how horrible the coffee server was who forgot to double cup your latte. I'm talking about not saying how all parents who don't parent the way you do are dummies. I'm talking about not complaining that anyone who likes a particular show, movie or band is a moron. See where I'm going with this? We all have the right to our opinions, I'm just challenging us all to not go negative for one month.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This will also help us with Philippians 4:8 - Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
And what if we take things even one step further (now I'm really getting crazy!). What if, we challenge ourselves to let at least one person per week through November know that we appreciate them? A handshake and a word of thanks. A card with a note of appreciation. What then? How would that effect both the giver and the receiver?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up ...
What do you say? Anyone with me on this?
Would you join me for "30 Days of Thankfulness"?
Feel free to save the picture below and put it on your Facebook page or blog. If you have a blog, leave me a message with your address and I'll link to your site.
