Giving Thanks Everyday

Have you thanked someone today or recently? Perhaps you wrote a thank you note for a gift. Maybe you gave thanks when a person opened a door. At meal time, perhaps a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the food and those who prepared the meal was spoken. Each time we give thanks, we have the opportunity to show the love of Christ.

One of the ways I begin each day is by saying, “Thank You Lord for this glorious day.” I may not know what the day will bring, but God knows. What a wonderful blessing to know that whatever happens, we are never alone. God is always with us.

When I pause to think about the various ways to say “thank you”, I am amazed. From speaking or writing words of thanks, to showing thanksgiving by actions, every moment holds the ability to be reminded of ways we are blessed and loved by God.

Every day is a day to give thanks to God. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

What happens when things in life don’t go as expected or desired and we can’t find the words to give thanks or feel grateful? God understands. He knows our hearts. God has promised to be with us in all situations.
When struggles come, give thanks. Yes, give thanks to God for His love and His presence. No matter the circumstance, God is always with us. Pray to the Father and seek His help.
Even when our hearts are broken, we can give thanks that God never leaves.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

10 Ways to Give Thanks Everyday

Begin and end each day in prayer. Thank God for His constant presence.
Thank teachers for their dedication and care for students and families.
Say “thank you” to your family.
Give thanks before meals.
Write a thank you note and send it via snail mail.
Thank the cashiers at the grocery store.
Thank the package delivery person.
Give thanks to God for His many blessings.
Smile and thank God for family and friends.
Show thanksgiving by secretly taking care of a chore that someone else would usually do.

There are many ways to give thanks. Our words and actions matter and can truly change the world. A “thank you” may brighten the day of an exhausted worker. A “thank you” may help a person feel wanted and loved.
At times, I have shown thanks in unique ways. Recently, I thanked a little green lizard for not jumping on my arm while I worked in the flower bed. Yes, it must have been a friend of “Licky the Lizard” from my book for children. At least this time, I didn’t scream. I laughed and gave thanks.

What ways can you think of to give thanks in everyday situations? Share your ideas in the comments.

Thank you.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson