Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to the focus of being thankful. This time of year can give us those warm, fuzzy feelings when we think about all of the things our lives include. Thanksgiving can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.
Thankful Defined
But what about gratitude? How does being thankful relate to being grateful? Is there a difference?
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word as thankful as “pleased and relieved.” Both of those are great feelings. Everyone wants to be pleased and relieved. But that’s just it; they’re just feelings, and feelings fade.
Grateful Defined
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word as grateful as “showing an appreciation of kindness.” This is where the difference lies; being thankful is a feeling, and being grateful is an action.
More Than a Feeling
Gratitude is more than just the feeling of thankfulness. Being thankful is the first step, and we have to have that initial feeling to build upon. We build upon it by redirecting our focus into making gratefulness an intrinsic part of our lives each day.
Stay Alert
Keeping gratitude at the forefront of our lives requires us to stay alert towards the needs of others. Actively living out that gratitude through the simple things we do every day. Gratitude is the manifestation of love, devotion, and commitment towards those around us through shared experiences.
Start Small
As we head into this special time of year, would you consider embracing a simple practice of gratitude? If so, may I suggest starting small? Take a few minutes to write a list at either the end of the day or first thing in the morning or even before you eat a meal and jot down things for which you are thankful. And on that same list write down how you will express your thankfulness in the practice of gratitude.
May you be strengthened and encouraged through this daily practice of gratitude. Appreciating the beauty around you and God’s faithful provision for your every need, and as you do gratitude will be deepened by the recognition that these are all gifts of God.
I pray that as you cultivate a heart of gratitude that you will see God more clearly and sense His presence more profoundly in this season and in every season that follows.
