{Thankfulness}

Today is Thanksgiving! I can't believe it's already here! Although always be thankful to God, this is a special time to remember the many blessings we have. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18- "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

Psalms 92:1- "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High." 

When someone gives us something or helps us, it's important to say thank you to them, but it's very important that we don't forget to say thank you to God also. Sometimes we just say "thank you" out of habit...but do we actually stop to think about where that blessing came from? What it meant? What it took? 

James 1:17- "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comets down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." 

I want to share with you a little rhyme I found online....(sundaychildrensfocus.com) 

"As you go through life make this your goal; look at the donut and not at the hole" 

Let me explain what this means...If I gave you a donut, you'd be pretty happy right? (Everyone loves donuts) But wouldn't it be sad if you focused your attention on the hole in the middle and just complained about the hole, instead of being thankful for the donut I gave you? If you did that, you'd be drawing your attention to what *isn't* there, rather than what *is there*. Sadly, some people go through life focused on what they're "missing", and they never really notice the good things that they do have. 

For instance, let's say you went to church with a brand-new dress on, and you were so thankful for your new dress. But then another person walked into church and she had on a new dress and new shoes...then you start thinking about her dress and her shoes and complain that you only had a new dress and not new shoes as well....do you see what's happening? Your attention is being re-focused to what you *don't* have rather than what you *do have*.

So our little rhyme about looking at the "donut and not at the hole" can remind us to see the many good things in life we do have. That's important to do as we go through life, and it's especially important for us to do at this time of Thanksgiving. 

1 Chronicles 16:34- "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy ensure that forever." 

I hope this was a blessing to you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! 

{Elizabeth}