Holidays With Jesus: ChristmasSample

Have you ever received a note or word of kindness or thankfulness? 

One time, I spoke at a Christian school and shared my testimony. A few days later, I received dozens of homemade cards that shared many kind words to tell me, “thank you,” for speaking at their school. My heart was beautifully overwhelmed with gratitude!

Life-giving words of affirmation are so very important – spoken or written.

When people take the time to pour into the hearts of others, it makes the recipient’s heart happy, but more importantly, it blesses God’s heart, too!

When I was in college, God gave me the idea to write notes of gratitude to anyone who had invested in my heart or life.

As I sat down and made a list, I included Jesus, my parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members, good friends, all of my teachers and professors, my Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth group leaders, previous and current employers...anyone who had benefited my life, invested in me, or poured their heart and prayers into my life.

I received several letters back and was surprised when many shared I was the only one who ever wrote to thank them for their kindness or investment. 

So many are truly thankful for how others have blessed their life or invested in them, yet we assume others understand how grateful we are without sharing our gratitude with them.

Who can you write a beautiful note of gratitude to today? Who can you call or visit to say, “thank you,” or share with them how much you love them and care about them?

Thankfulness, notes of gratitude, and words of affirmation and blessings are all beautiful, priceless gifts we can give to Jesus, our spouse, children, family, friends, educators, people who serve us in our communities — everyone.

Let’s take some time to truly thank Jesus for all of the great people, blessings, and things we have in our life!

Never miss an opportunity to pour the extra special blessing of thankfulness into the lives of others!

Prayer: “Jesus, thank You so much for all of the words of affirmation and blessings You pour into our lives! We also thank You for the many times people have invested in us, raised us, prayed for us, poured into our hearts and lives, educated us, taught us how to love and serve You, sacrificed for us, and all of the other ways people have contributed to our lives! I pray a special blessing right now for those who have done this for us and our families. Jesus, help us to live lives of thankfulness and gratitude. Help us to truly see how much those around us pour into our lives, love us, and care enough to bless, help, and encourage us through life‘s events. May we never take anyone, anything, or any act of kindness or investment for granted – and may we never fail to give proper thanks to You and others. Jesus, please place on our hearts the names of people You want us to write a letter of gratitude to, and please also place the names of people You would like for us to call to tell them a heartfelt thanks. Help us to be people of extreme gratitude! We love You! In Your precious name we pray, Amen!

Activity #1: thank Jesus for all of the good He has blessed you with, and is currently blessing you with, in your life! Write a beautiful letter of gratitude to Him! Share with others how good Jesus is! 

Activity #2: make a list of all of the people throughout your lifetime who have invested in your heart, spiritual walk, and life. Write or call them to say, “thank you,” today!

This devotional © 2018 by Kim Niles/Grief Bites. All rights reserved. Used by permission.