Thanksgiving sets the table for transformation. And I don’t mean that if you eat too much, you’ll have trouble buttoning up your pants. 

Thankfulness sets the table for transformation by shifting the attitude of our hearts to gratitude and away from grab-i-tude. You know, grabbing your rights and your self-centered ways and holding on to old slights.

Thankfulness goes beyond being polite and having good manners. Thankfulness is a genuine attitude that God calls us to carry with us 24/7. Note God’s Word through Paul:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)

I find it fascinating that our Lord situates that verse at the end of one of the most beautiful passages about how to relate to God and people (3:12-17). 

When we practice compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, we notice people are drawn toward us with love and joy. When we bear with one another, forgive one another, and put on love, we have tools to help us live in unity with humans. 

Jesus Christ is the all-encompassing focus of a well-related life. Let the peace of Christ rule… Let the word of Christ be at home in your heart… Do all you do in the name of Jesus…

Through it all are woven these little gems. Be thankful… Sing with thankfulness in your hearts… Give thanks through Jesus to God the Father…

I’m convinced that our Lord is calling us to a shift in attitude. The prevailing attitude of thankfulness orients the follower of Jesus toward humility, restores our hope, and opens us up for healing. Thankfulness causes us to move ourselves off the center of our universe and restores Jesus to His rightful place. 

We can always be thankful in all circumstances because Jesus is with us. We can practice being thankful for all that God has provided as He cares for us through circumstances. Such discipline turns our thoughts from what is wrong with our world to what is right with God.

We have made this holiday a major focus of prayer in the past few weeks. May Jesus be at the center of your Thanksgiving this weekend. May your heart be filled with joy as you recall, reflect, and realize anew God’s goodness in your life. May such gratitude open your heart to others in a way that releases compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. 

Love and blessings,
Dave