As most, if not all of us know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner–literally in less than a week. It’s at this time of year where we are prepping food, decorations, and our lists of things we are thankful for for the holiday right before Christmas. But why do we need to give thanks?

First of all, there’s always something to be thankful for. Even in the lowest of lows, as well as the highest of highs. Being thankful for the things that you do have, including another day alive, is showing appreciation for the little and big things in life.

As well, saying thank you to a person, especially if they’ve did something for us that they didn’t have to, can make them feel special and appreciated. Even if they aren’t thinking about recognition, a short, sweet, and meaningful “Thank You!” never hurts anyone!

Giving thanks to God is even more important. You may be wondering why, so I will explain. A lot of times, we tend to focus on the few things that we don’t have rather than thanking Him for all of the amazing things that He has blessed us with, and we do have!

Gratitude and showing your thankfulness for the elements in our life, big or small, prevents us from becoming self-centered or thinking too highly of ourselves. Being thankful allows us to humble ourselves, and recognize how God, as well as other people that He has placed in our lives, have helped us become who we are today.

To sum up, being thankful does the following:

• It makes deserving people feel appreciated.
• It gives God all the Glory!
• It allows us to think about what we have rather than what we want or don’t have.
• It prevents cockiness, and allows us to humble ourselves.

So, after you finish reading this, before you do anything else, make sure that you tell someone you love the words, “Thank you!” You don’t have to say what for. Maybe this person makes you laugh and cheers you up while your sad, has stayed by your side through it all, or did something else kind today.

Either way, I hope you will feel happy when you do! Gratitude is rewarding in so many ways!

Have an amazing day, everyone! 💖

Psalm 69:30 NIV – I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.