There is a phrase in a Don Moen song that I think we need to adapt this Thanksgiving. The phrase is “Give thanks with a grateful heart.” Most of us have been raised to say thank you for compliments, kind deeds, and gifts but often it is just lip service. Gratitude needs to become a heart thing.

I think that often we give thanks because we know we are supposed to but the gratitude doesn’t reach our heart because we don’t contemplate those things for which we are truly grateful. We say we are thankful for our health but have we thought about what our life would be like if weren’t? We say we are thankful for our families but have we imagined life without them? We say we are thankful for our salvation, but it’s hard to grasp the horribleness of life without our Savior. Of course, these things are only the top of the list.

Each of our gratitude lists contains different things that make us who we are and makes our life meaningful. Don’t just contemplate the blessings of the basics this year but think about the things that you as an individual enjoy. Do you have a hobby that brings you pleasure? Do you have a favorite restaurant or coffee shop that you frequent? Can you be thankful for a new adventure that you have had recently?

While we are putting gratitude in hearts, we also need to put the people in our hearts that have a difficult time with the holidays. There are those that have lost loved ones this year that are facing empty chairs at their table. There are those that have had a financial setback and may have trouble putting food on their tables. There are those that may have health issues and may not even feel like sitting at the Thanksgiving table. I challenge you to give thanks with a grateful heart this year and remember others with a prayerful heart and a helping hand.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1) (NIV)