Whenever I think about thankfulness, I see it in the big picture context. Like, “Yes, I’m so thankful for everything, I don’t deserve anything and God has given so much.” Which that attitude in and of itself is something for which to be thankful. However, I have noticed that it is so easy to take seemingly small things for granted and not be thankful for them.
One of the beauties of our God is that He is working in EVERY area of our lives. Even when we think it’s small and insignificant, He is using that to bring glory to Himself. There are so many things throughout our days that are “ordinary,” but extraordinary when you remember that it is the Lord who has provided each small thing and planned out every second of every day of our lives.
But it is that remembering part that is so hard! It is much easier to just go through the day lamby-pamby and not be grateful for God’s work in each area. I know that I really have to put in effort to think through what I am and should be thankful for. And the truth is that we are commanded to give thanks in everything, which includes seemingly small things in life.
Because I have such a hard time remembering to be thankful, I’ve written out this thankfulness challenge. Why don’t you join me?
For each day of November find five things to be thankful for. And, not just any five things, but five things that will help you T.H.I.N.K. through your thankfulness. Follow the prompts below to really THINK through your thankfulness this month and write it out each day, maybe at the end of the day. I think the writing out part is important as well. Not only will it help you solidify the things you are thankful for, but then you can look back and see how the Lord has provided in each of the categories.
T — Terrific
H — Hard
I — Important
N — New
K — Kind
T — Terrific
Let’s start with the good, easy stuff. Being thankful for good things should not be all that difficult. After all, we usually enjoy the good things that God has given us, so we should be thankful for them. But it is still a good practice to actually write something out and specifically thank God for it. We may grow used to the good things and not see them as special or as a blessing from God. So, what good, terrific thing are you thankful for today? Pray to thank God for providing the good things in your life.
H — Hard
There are lots of hard things in life. Maybe a sticky situation at work or a struggle with a personal sin. Our Lord is so powerful that He still uses those hard things in life to teach us lessons and refine our faith. So, we should be thankful that God can redeem even the very difficult things and make them work for His purposes. Romans 8:28 says that God works all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. What hard thing are you thankful for today, how is God using it to refine you? Thank the Lord for using the hard things in our lives to make us more like Christ.
I — Important
As we go throughout our days, there are certain things that we really do need in order to function. Food, water, and sleep all come to mind. What item or thing that is essential to life are you thankful for today? Thank God for providing daily provisions for you and your family.
N — New
I heard once that you learn something new everyday and I’ve seen that proved true in my life. There is always something to be learned, something new. Maybe a more efficient way to do your chores or even a new recipe. Whatever it may be, it ultimately came from God. James 1:17 says that ALL good things come from above. What new thing did you learn today? Tell God how thankful you are.
K — Kind
As we interact with people throughout the day, their kindness towards us may go unnoticed. I know in my own life this happens quite a bit. When someone at the post office opens the door for me cause they see me with packages in a bag and my toddler on my hip, I always say, “Thank you!” But I do not always thank God for providing that kindness through that person. So this month let’s take it one step deeper and thank God for providing kindnesses in our lives that we do not deserve. How did someone else help you today? Or maybe, how were you able to show God’s kindness to someone else? Thank God for showing His kindness in you and others.
Alright, so there’s the challenge. Who is with me?
Follow along on my Instagram stories for what I’m thankful for each day, just click here.
Save this image as your phone background to help you remember to THINK through your Thankfulness this month.
