In this week leading toward Thanksgiving 2019, I find myself incredibly grateful. I would love to think that I’m always grateful, but I’m not. The truth is far less beautiful I’m afraid.
I’m often too mired in my own daily schedule and desires to be mindful of the many people and things in my life that I should be grateful for. I don’t think that I’m the only one guilty of this either, but it’s something I want to change.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
One thing I’ve discovered over the years, and am often reminded of, is that change doesn’t just happen. As much as I wish it would, it doesn’t. I sometimes wish that God would wave his proverbial magic wand and make me a better person, but it just hasn’t happened. That’s not to say that it can’t, but I’m realizing that He has an even better plan for me. A plan called transformation.
Transformation is a process. Ugh… right?!! Not a get ‘er done kinda thing. For me to change from someone who is often self focused into a more grateful person will take work and discipline. There are a bunch of spiritual disciplines I’m learning recently. Perhaps this season of Thanksgiving will help me give some of them a try.
To be clear, I know that my being more grateful will not make God love me any more or less than He does. But it will make me more like Him, and that’s what I want. I’m pretty sure He wants that for me too. So I’m going to make the effort.
What do you think?