More Than Just a Holiday

On Thursday as we sat on the couches and the floor at the coffee table (there were too many of us for the kitchen) eating our Thanksgiving meal, I couldn't help but think of how blessed I am to have such a loving, supporting, and Christ-honoring family.  I've been thinking about praying a lot lately about my attitude of thankfulness, because I know I definitely do not express it enough to the ones I am thankful for or the One who showers blessings upon me.  I think Thanksgiving is a blessing in the sense that we get to spend time with family and get to express what we are thankful for, but on the other hand, what about the other 364 days of the year?  Today, I'm going to share some ways with you that I am working (and praying) on having a thankful mindset all year round.

1. Thankfulness Calendar

I want to start a calendar or journal of sorts where I write one sentence or thing a day that I am thankful for.  I think it would be a sort of memory book that helped me to remember something that had really impacted me that specific day.  I've journaled for the past year and reading through old entries always brings a smile to my face or tears to my eyes to see what the Lord has done in my life.

2. Say "Thank You" More

How many times do we thank those that do everyday things for us whether that be the worker at the dining hall or the cashier at Target?  A couple, maybe.  I'd like to think we all already thank these people, but how sincere are we when we say it?  Is it a habit that you have developed, or is it something that you sincerely and truly mean?  I want to try to thank people more directly for what the service they are doing.  I've worked in retail and at a desk job, and I remember that the times that people thanked me sincerely always made my day and work hours so much sweeter.  

3. Get Crafty!

I know I'm the last person that should be instructing you how to craft, but it could be a fun, visual reminder around your house or in your room of just what you are thankful for.  You can create a board, or even a wall displaying all of the things that you are thankful for.  

4. Write a Letter

Think of someone in your life who has greatly impacted you in some way.  Write them a letter and tell them how they have positively impacted your life.  You can send it to them, or even meet up with them in person and read it out loud to them.  How many people need a few words of encouragement?  Probably everybody!

5. Read Positive Books

I'm currently reading "Kisses for Katie" that is about a woman, close to my age, who went to Uganda to serve the people and children there and ended up adopting several girls who were without parents.  I know as I'm reading this that I realize just how much I take SO many things in my life for granted.  You should all definitely read this book!  It's a great book that truly displays the power and mercy of our great God.

6. Change Your Perspective

I have SO many things to be thankful for, but how many times have I thrown a fit or had a bad attitude because something small, and even big things have been weighing on me?  God is sovereign, and even the trying times in my life have proved to mold me more into the image of His Son.  We may never know or understand why we go through certain things in this life, but I am so thankful that my God has everything under control and He knows what He is doing.  Can I get an "Amen!"?  I have to constantly (if not daily) remind myself of this when I want to take control of situations that aren't going quite ideally.  Thankfully the Lord's thoughts and plans are above my own and they are perfect.  

What are some things that you are thankful for?  Tell me below in the comments!