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“They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 (ESV)

Turkey is smelling delish – can’t wait to dive in. And those sweet potatoes dressed in melted butter and cinnamon oh my. Stuffing, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie decorate the table just waiting to be devoured. The picture perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Love this time of year when we gather with family and friends. Sweet prayers of gratitude and thankfulness. Laughter and joy fill the air. Football games and Friday shopping what more could a girl want?

Within a short span of 24 hours, Thanksgiving comes and goes. We slip right into the holiday bustle and gratitude – well it kind of takes second seat to all the other happenings. The pursuit of all things on sale. The Christmas party we just can’t miss. School plays and church programs fill up our calendars. And oh yes, did I forget to mention the decorating, trimming and lighting up of the whole house? Somewhere nestled in the middle of busy and frazzled emotions, we tend to allow frustration, exhaustion and overwhelmedness to short circuit our thanks.

Wonder what would happen if we held on to gratitude? You know like letting thankfulness dictate our view. Research indicates a grateful mind stimulates sensitivity to more gratefulness. In simpler terms, gratitude births gratitude – it pays itself forward. When we actively look for and diligently cultivate a view of God’s goodness it invites perspective, growth, joy and peace. When we write down those blessings, we store up treasures to be unfolded on days when gratitude fades. When we choose to see God’s hand working in us and around us, we flourish even in the hardest places. Bold, courageous thanks for moment by moment glimpses of His deep love.

2023 will invite us to make lots of resolutions and goals – a vision for our life in the 365 days ahead. Purposeful living that glorifies our God. Diving deeper into His word. Igniting our conversations with Him. And let’s not forget the power of remembrance, thankfulness and gratitude which well up within those who keep their eyes zeroed in on the goodness of our God.

“Father, tucked away in every Thanksgiving is a reminder to cultivate seeds of gratitude – the best planting ever.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as we celebrate God’s eternal blessings. Women’s Life Devotionals will resume on Monday, November 28.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life