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“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy is everlasting.” Psalm 107:1

My boys may be beyond the age of that incessant request on my part, but you mamas of littles out there know what I’m talking about. A gift given or compliment received, and… wait for it, wait for it…nothing. Then, in your pleasantest mommy sing-songy voice: “What do you say?” A quick upward glance from that little angelic face to yours is followed quickly by, “Thank you!”

Oh, how I sometimes need that reminder for myself when it comes to the gifts given and mercy received from my gracious God. What about you?

Maybe there’s a decision you’re trying to make, and you’ve been knocking and knocking on His door about it, trying to discern clarity. Perhaps there’s a situation about which you’ve been begging for Providential intervention—an illness, a job, a prodigal. Or you’ve been crying out to Him in pillow-soaking desperation over some deep anguish.

Then it happens—slowly or in dramatic fashion. Because one door closed, you walked through another to find God’s “what’s next” for you. Healing comes—or at least an acceptance in the grace that is more than enough. A job offer is made that means next month’s rent is covered. That child who was staggering ever closer to the pigsty turns to run home.

And, like nine of 10 lepers surveyed, we run off excitedly to tell others of our deliverance. The news is shouted from every social-media-mountaintop. We may even give God the glory as we recount the details of our storm-turned-sailing-weather. But, amid our private and public celebration, do we remember to turn back to the Gift-giver with thanksgiving?

I realize—like with that small child—the sheer joy of receiving may take our thoughts to what we’ll do with that gift. Totally understandable. But as we walk into Thanksgiving week, consider this our collective mommy-nudge…a reminder that our Father in heaven is awaiting those two polite words of gratitude from us. Whisper it, sing it, shout it, or dance for Him like King David. However we express it, let’s say, “Thank you” to our God for the big and small, glorious blessings He showers upon us each and every day.

“Father, as this Thanksgiving marks our nation’s annual reminder to profess our gratitude for life’s blessings, may I recognize, acknowledge, and give You all the glory for Your daily grace, mercy, and abundant provision. Thank You, thank You, thank You!”

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life