By Rev. Denise Much

We have a simple tradition at Thanksgiving in my family, before we eat, before the blessing, we lift our glasses of sparkling cider and each in turn name something we are thankful for. This Thanksgiving was a little different. It started with the planning for the day. In the middle of who was or who was not coming, the Lord began to deal with my heart, a request, to name what I was thankful for. As I began to make my list, I pondered how many should I name. A thousand, a hundred? As I mulled over what that list might contain, I realized it might take me a relatively long time to write out the what and the why of my thankfulness. A challenge surfaced. Write my thanksgiving over the course of a year, one day at a time. Next year, I would have a list, a testimony of how good the Lord has been to me.

I pass on this challenge to you. It’s a simple plan. Name at least one thing you are thankful for and why each day. The why is important to put context to your thankfulness. I always think, I’ll remember and then I don’t, so write the why. Then 365 days from your start, read your thanksgivings and you too will have a testimony of God’s love and mercy for you.

Here are a few scriptures to help.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

I would love to hear of any thanksgiving you would like to share, now or in the future. You can leave a comment below or email at mrsmuch@gmail.com.