How Not to be Thankful
Corey Nieman / Caring Network Director
One of my earliest memories of saying thank you is my mother proceeding the sentiment with … “what do we say to Auntie Rose for such a thoughtful Christmas gift?” In a monotone voice I muttered, “thank you.” The gift in question was a hand-knitted, cable sweater turtleneck that itched horribly, was a size and a half too small, and had a picture of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer on it. Hence my need for being prompted to give thanks.
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| Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash |
One of my earliest memories of saying thank you is my mother proceeding the sentiment with … “what do we say to Auntie Rose for such a thoughtful Christmas gift?” In a monotone voice I muttered, “thank you.” The gift in question was a hand-knitted, cable sweater turtleneck that itched horribly, was a size and a half too small, and had a picture of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer on it. Hence my need for being prompted to give thanks.
Now that I have kids of my own, I catch myself having to do the same thing when some well-meaning mis-matched gift comes their way. Oh, great grandma sent a card with a $50 savings bond for my 16th birthday present … “Thank you, grandma.”
In time, I realized that giving thanks is not some arbitrary phrase we say out of obligation. Being thankful is not about giving God props for all the cool stuff we have. In fact, in some of the toughest circumstances I have faced, God is looking for me to posture myself with thanksgiving. Again, not out of obligation, but with the idea that with the good, the bad, and the ugly, we are always given opportunity to bestow our thanksgiving upon Him.
In time, I realized that giving thanks is not some arbitrary phrase we say out of obligation. Being thankful is not about giving God props for all the cool stuff we have. In fact, in some of the toughest circumstances I have faced, God is looking for me to posture myself with thanksgiving. Again, not out of obligation, but with the idea that with the good, the bad, and the ugly, we are always given opportunity to bestow our thanksgiving upon Him.
As Jesus is known as the way maker and miracle worker, we need to first acknowledge He can repurpose anything. As we take that humble posturing, we become teachable through a heart of thanksgiving. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Ultimately, when we give thanks to God for everything, He is lifted high in glory, and we are given joyous perspective of God’s love for us.