Today is the day of turkey, gravy, and pie. Oh yeah – it’s also a day for giving thanks and sharing that thanksgiving with our loved ones.
May I make a suggestion?
Do this every day.
Perhaps not the turkey and pie, but absolutely give thanks every day.
This suggestion comes from many angles of my life – from my identify as a Christ-follower to my vocation as a professional counselor to my personal experience as a wife and friend.
Giving thanks honors God. After all, everything we have comes from him, and He is delighted when we recognize that and express our thanks for that. Scripture is full of reminders to be thankful. Here are a few to meditate on: Colossians 3:15. James 1:17. Philippians 4:6. Psalm 136. And so many others.
Giving thanks boosts your mental health. It improves our relationships, our empathy, our self-esteem, and even our sleep. This article from Harvard describes some of the benefits of gratitude.
Giving thanks improves our relationships. No one enjoys spending time with a complainer, but we all enjoy spending time with someone in a good mood, someone who encourages us and lifts us up. Focusing our thoughts and words on the things we are thankful for will reduce conflict, make the other person (and probably you too) feel positive, and will bless your relationships.
Yes, please gather with loved ones today for a wonderful meal and a time of giving thanks. Just don’t let it end there. Give thanks every day.