Faith Expressed In Love

My family has a long standing tradition each November of making the rounds at the Thanksgiving table to say what we're each thankful for.  Throughout the years, I've run the gamut on my participation, from the knowingly cheesy response to the more meaningful.

The lists typically include thankfulness for family, good health, and the essentials.  Inevitably people are also thankful for the more self serving joys in life, flat screen TVs, HD Cable, MacBooks, etc.  Regardless of the list, I always walk away from these reflections with a refreshed perspective.

I've wondered what it would be like if we made this habit of thankfulness a regular part of our routine, not just reserved for once a year?  What if we intentionally took time to reflect on the blessings God has given us?  This has the potential to create a new perspective and attitude in all facets of our lives.  Getting depressed because of the argument you lost or the car that breaks seems more petty in the grand scheme of things.

I hope to get in a habit of counting my blessings more regularly.  And in light of the amazing grace I've received in Jesus Christ, I pray I have a consistent gracious attitude which overflows into my relationships, my ministry, and clarifies my perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving!