Am I Blinded By My Thankfulness?
I love Thanksgiving time when my children’s teachers ask their class what they are thankful for. They make a long list of everything the class is thankful for, and the list always astounds me. The kids list things I would never think about but am also thankful for. They list things like their favorite foods, favorite vacation spots, devices, hugs, family, friendships, and favorite color. It is special to me that each child has their own ideas of thankfulness.
As we look at what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving, what do we think of? It is very easy for me to state the obvious things I am thankful for and move on. The world gives us ideas everywhere we look. Social media posts tell us what to be thankful for. We see thankful sayings on pillows, tea towels, and t-shirts. We skim over our list of necessities, family, and friends and make a lighthearted thankfulness comment. But as we look at what we are truly thankful for, are we missing the deep layer of true thankfulness?
I remember when I was a child, even when I was a young adult, and I saw life differently. I saw life through eyes of hope. I saw good in people. My heart was softened to the world, those living in the world, and to how I reacted towards circumstances. Things around me have placed a covering over my eyes. Circumstances have hardened my heart. All these things have affected my thankfulness. What am I truly thankful for and is my thankfulness shining from me?
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 that we all have something in common. The same God that raised Jesus from the dead, is the same God that will one day unite us all together and present us before Him. We will be presented as whole, pure, and one body. This truth is told for our own benefit, that we may live in true thanksgiving to the point that it overflows in our speech, thoughts, and actions so that everything we do glorifies God. So that we will be bursting with thankfulness to the point that everything will be directed to God.
I think of my friends who are struggling this Thanksgiving. Those of you who are suffering illnesses, loneliness, loss of loved ones, depression, relationship problems with your children, and financial burdens. Outwardly we are wasting away, but inwardly God is renewing us day by day so that we can be thankful for what He has done and is doing. Paul tells us in verse 17 that our momentary troubles are light and fleeting. These troubles are bringing us closer to God with a sense of dependence that brings us eternal glory that far outweighs these earthly troubles. God uses our momentary troubles to display His strength in our weakness. If we were to leave our eyes fixed on our troubles, we would lose heart. We are to fix our eyes on what is unseen because what is unseen is eternal.
I dare ask, what are you thankful for? What is hiding in the unseen that you need to reveal so that God can be glorified? This may take some help from God. It is hard for us to remove the covering from our own eyes, but God has the power to free us from this burden. It can start easily with a prayer for help. Then each day look for what God is revealing to you. Look for things you are deeply thankful for. When your eyes are opened to these things take the time to thank God for them. Also, pay respect for whatever it is you are thankful for. Let the person know you are thankful for them, spend some time doing your favorite activity, write a little note or text of thankfulness to a person involved. Allow God room to work in your thankfulness. He can use all things for your good and His glory. We must have our hearts ready for him to use.
Digging Deeper:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18.
How is your heart hard this Thanksgiving?
How do you see you are missing out on thankfulness?
How do you see God using your thankfulness to glorify Him?