A Thankful Heart

In America, November is a time when the national holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated. This tradition was established by the Pilgrims who honored God with thankful hearts for the plenty of the great land. It is still important to continue this tradition; however, it is not just about turkeys and pumpkin pie. Rather, it is about having a thankful heart for the wonderful blessings of God.

"Give thanks to the LORD, and call upon His Name," (1 Chronicles 16:8). In other words, start every prayer with thanksgiving before you lift your petitions to God. God loves our appreciation for the great things He has done for us.

Colossians 2:7 says to "overflow with thanksgiving". I believe that there are great benefits of having a thankful heart:

• A thankful heart is a happy heart.
• A thankful heart is a faithful heart.
• A thankful heart is full of love and joy.
• A thankful heart is a respectful heart.
• A thankful heart is an open heart.
• A thankful heart is a worshipping heart.

So, let us teach our grandchildren, by our own example, to have a thankful heart and to "give thanks to God in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bobbye