When it comes to busy times of year, the Christmas season has to be the busiest. Retail stores traditionally depend on this time of year to get out of the “red” and into the “black” (hence “black friday”). Traffic seems to get heavier ever day as we approach Thanksgiving and doesn’t lessen until January. There are Christmas musicals, live nativities, concerts, and candle light services. Between my wife and I, there are only a few times until the week of Christmas when we will be home at the same time. With her working retail and me at a church, it doesn’t get any busier than now for us. Just because we have busy schedules does not mean that we have to let our schedules dictate our relationship.
We have to make the most of the moments we do see each other. I haven;t been the greatest at this in the past. Honestly, I have been straight up bad at it, but I am making a conscious effort to change that this year. I love my wife and kids. I care about them and am thankful for them every day, but I don’t usually show it to them very well. Being truly thankful requires action. Last week I met my wife for lunch on our lunch breaks and a couple nights ago we shared a bottle of spumante and watched a movie together. It’s moments like those that I am showing her how thankful I am to have her in my life. I can say “I love you” every chance I get, but actions show it more.
It’s easy to take the people we love for granted. I think when we do, the stresses of life get the best of us, and the holidays tend to amplify those stresses. Instead of just saying how thankful you are, try showing it. Think about your relationship with God the same way. You might say how thankful you are for the things He’s given you, but are you showing how thankful you are. Showing how thankful you are for the things He’s given you starts with stewardship.
I came to a realization about my view of thankfulness yesterday that disturbed me. Instead of being thankful for what God has done, I have been thankful that I am not subject to the alternative. This attitude does not feed a spirit of thankful action. Instead, feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness creep in and consume you to the point of not wanting to do anything. If you’re anything like me, try to think about what you are really thankful for in a positive light. Be thankful for God’s love through the cross rather than being thankful that you aren’t subject to hell. Be thankful that you have a loving family rather than being thankful that you’re not alone. Be thankful that salvation is God’s responsibility rather than being thankful that your works don’t get you into heaven.
Do you see how that slight change in perspective can change how you might reACT in your thankfulness?
Happy ThanksGIVING.