Being Thankful...

This time of year a lot of people are posting what they're thankful for. And that's a no-brainer: Thanksgiving is here! Yes, this post is going to have some of the things I'm thankful for, but we're also going to take a look at just being thankful, so let's go!

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary (m-w.com) defines thankful as:

"...glad that something has happened or not happened, that something or someone exists, etc.; to be conscious of benefit received..."

 So if you're thankful for something, you can either be glad that it is, or you know that through it you receive a benefit. And if you're truly thankful for something, it'll show. You'll be glad it is, and other people will see it.

Ultimately, God is the source of everything to be thankful for, since He's the creator. So if you're not thankful for God, you can't really be thankful for what He's given you. And it is only what you've been given, because God is the one who truly gives us the things we have, even when it seems like people gave them to us. And not only does God see fit to gives us what we have, He also gave up His Son so that we might be saved from sin and it's punishment. And He did it not because we earned it, or because we were His friend. No, we were God's enemies and aren't even worthy of the things we have, let alone being saved. Yet because He loved us... that's why we have these things, why we can be saved: because God loves us.

So what am I thankful for? I'm thankful for God's love. I'm thankful that He's seen fit to give me what I have. I'm thankful for my parents and siblings; for my friends, both new and old; and for the opportunities He's provided for me to show others a glimpse of His love, whether through words, designs, pictures, or anything else. I'm thankful that even though I mess up sometimes, He continues to pick me back up and walk with me through this life. And I'm extremely grateful that His plans are so much better than mine.

What are you thankful for? Have you told God? Maybe you should. Take time this holiday to be thankful for what you have. Maybe it's through words, or maybe it's just by being with your family. Regardless of how you show your thankfulness, make sure you show it, and thank God for all He's given you.

Godspeed,

Jason