Resources/Biblical Viewpoint/CCM Show

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit

Recently, I volunteered in my daughter’s second-grade classroom. We worked on “gratitude” worksheets together. We discussed the meaning of having a thankful heart and worked on creating a list of the people, places, and things we were thankful for. 

The exercise was easy and fun, and it was sweet to hear the many different second-grade perspectives on what mattered most in their lives: their parents, their siblings, their grandparents, their friends. Afterward, it got me thinking: how often do I fail to have a grateful attitude in life? How often do I think, “I’m owed more than this!” How often do I complain and take the many blessings in my life for granted? If I’m being honest, probably far too much.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I was inspired to do a “heart check” on myself. Do I have a good attitude? Do I regularly thank God for the blessings in my life?

Gratitude and humility are two things I often try to impress upon my daughter – a difficult concept for a little girl who wants things right now, but don’t we all?

1 Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

I’ve recently been reading a book by Pastor James M. Cecy called Have a G.R.E.A.T. Day: Living Our Lives One Blessed Day at a Time. In it, he talks about the importance of orienting ourselves in the correct position when we start our day: understanding that God is BIG, we are SMALL, and He is AWESOME:

“Obviously, drawing near to God every morning doesn’t just happen,” he writes. “It begins with contemplating the majesty and awesome character of God. That’s why, before even reading my Bible, I like to sit in the morning, look out a window, read a Psalm or just recite some of his attributes.”

Cecy’s book got me thinking about gratitude. How can we lack thankfulness when we focus our thoughts on the greatness and goodness of God? When we stop and meditate on His truth, His character, and His generosity, it’s impossible to walk away WITHOUT feeling thankful for the Lord!

Consider this tidbit from Cecy that I have found very helpful:

“The longest journey in the world is eighteen inches from our heads to our hearts. Persevering prayer and continual praise are the foundations upon which effective Bible reading and accurate Bible study are built.”

I also love this verse from 1 Samuel 12:24: “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” 

Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Everything we have in life, we owe to the goodness of God. I often reflect on this verse that is hanging on my daughter’s bedroom wall: “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

If you are going through a difficult season in life (and I have had many of those, too), challenge yourself to spend some time reflecting on the blessings God has brought into your life. I promise you, there are blessings and kindnesses that the Lord has given you.

Let us all approach this season of Thanksgiving with a heart posture that is filled with humility and gratitude and generosity toward all. Let’s set the example for our children as we continue to be countercultural in a world fixated on selfishness and instant gratification.

Resource: Here is a link to Pastor Cecy’s helpful book, ‘Have a G.R.E.A.T. Day.”

If you are looking for more information about how to live a counter-culture lifestyle with your kids, don’t forget to check out the Counter Culture Mom’s free parent media guide, which will point you in the direction of HUNDREDS of video games, TV shows, movies, apps, books, and more that will replace harmful, godless content with positive messages and good lessons. Download the media guide HERE.

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Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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