The official Thanksgiving holiday may be past for this year, but is your heart actually less thankful today than last Thursday? We hope you enjoyed a fun celebration on Thanksgiving Day, eating delicious foods with family and friends. But every day is an opportunity to give thanks and celebrate the gifts we have!

Whenever we look around us, there is much to be thankful for. Have you noticed a beautiful red and golden tree during this fall season? Is there someone in your life who makes you smile and is always happy to see you? Did you have a meal this morning? A bed to sleep in last night? Give thanks to God! He is the One who provides these things, and more.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100

It is hard to give thanks in a generic way, because thanks must be directed to someone. Someone provided “X” thing that you are thankful for. Can you imagine on Thanksgiving Day that your grandmother made your favorite creamy mashed potatoes, and you turn to your uncle and say thank you? It would be a bit ridiculous. Or imagine looking at your plate and giving thanks to your plate for providing those delicious potatoes. Or looking out the window at the beautiful tree outside and ignoring your favorite side dish all together.

A silly example, but one that we live out day after day when we fail to give thanks to the One who created us, provides for us, and enjoy being with us. Live out Psalm 100 not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day! Take notice of the things in your life that bring you happiness or provide for your needs. Be glad for these things, and give thanks to the God who loves to provide them.

Of course, if you don’t know the God of the Bible very well, it will be hard to give him thanks. If you aren’t sure about this God, take some time this December to learn more about him. Read about Jesus in the Bible, particularly in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Visit a church, or ask a church-going friend out to coffee so that you can explore your questions about God. Learn more, and continue to reflect on the things every day that make you thankful.