So what’s the big deal about being thankful?

It’s Thanksgiving Day. A day set aside in many countries around the world to give thanks. It’s interesting… setting aside a day to be thankful. As if we don’t take the time otherwise.

Most of the time, we don’t.

So today is the day. What are you thankful for?

Answers should flow in a long list off the top of your head. But are you having trouble thinking of things you’re thankful for? Let me help.

When you sit down to eat later today just look around. Chances are you’ll be surrounded by friends and family…those who know you best and love you most. Be thankful. 1 in 10 Americans suffers from depression. And that number is increasing by roughly 20% per year.

You’re living, breathing, and influencing others. Be thankful. Relevance is a great gift.

You have shelter and food. Be thankful. You are among the 1% richest people in the world.

You enjoy the gift of warmth. Be thankful. 1 out of every 50 children in this country will be homeless this year.

You are preparing to eat your biggest meal of the year. Be thankful. Almost 15% of American households struggle to put food on the table.

It occurs to me that when you are thankful, a very important thing happens. You recognize the fact that you are not all that. You do not possess the power to succeed all by yourself. You need others. Your hands open in gratitude and your head bows. You humble yourself.

And that’s part of the secret. Humbling yourself.

Is it any wonder that God calls us to come into His presence with Thanksgiving? We acknowledge the fact that we are not able to exist without His grace. Our heads bowed, our hands are open.

Have you ever thought about that? The secret to being thankful is being humble. You can’t really be thankful unless you realize that you are who you are because of someone else. You have what you have because of someone else’s generosity. You have achieved what you’ve achieved because someone took the time to train you.

You enjoy the blessing of sitting in the shade of a tree you did not plant.

Be thankful.