Real Hope: ThanksgivingSample

Gratitude Released

I was in America a few years ago for Thanksgiving. My friend wanted to ensure I had the full experience – multiple times. We had Thanksgiving at her sister’s home, then in Oklahoma with her other sister, then in Texas with a close friend. I have never eaten so much pumpkin pie in my life!

At every meal, we inevitably arrived at the ‘Thanksgiving’ moment where everyone expresses what they are thankful for. Beautiful words are shared, encouraging statements and sentimental moments exchanged. It was lovely. But it got me thinking. Why limit such powerful moments to a certain day or time in a meal? 

There is no doubt that gratitude expressed has a powerful impact. In the passage above, the Psalmist says, ‘Let them thank the Lord…’, highlighting the importance of gratitude expressed. Gratitude needs to be expressed otherwise it’s just a nice thought about someone or something. We don’t need permission to express our gratitude, nor do we need an allotted time. But we do need courage. We need to tune in to the innate desire to express gratitude and release it to whoever needs to hear it. 

What gratitude might you be holding back? And why?

Written by NERI MORRIS