I often find myself, when in a bad mood, using my many blessings as a means of upliftment. It’s hard to stay upset when you are thinking about all of the wonderful things God has given you, whether it be family, health, career, love, deliciously chocolatey desserts, etc. As we get ready to celebrate a holiday dedicated to such thinking and praise, it’s fairly easy to list out all those wonderful things. When you are half asleep on the couch with a full tummy and surrounded by everyone you love, it’s even easier. And that’s great. It’s a wonderful holiday that I personally love very much.

But last year, our Marketing Manager shared a different take on it that has stuck with me ever since. Instead of only giving thanks for what we have, give others a reason to be thankful. “Donate to a food pantry, invite someone over for supper who would otherwise be by themselves, tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, cook up an extra turkey for a struggling family, or share a cup of coffee with the bell ringers outside Walmart or Target.”

You never know what others are going through. One small act of kindness may just make someone’s holiday. Think about how wonderful this world would be if every person gave “thankfulness”. So, I challenge you this Thanksgiving, in addition to giving thanks for your own blessings, give someone else something to be thankful for.

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” (NIV)

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