This Week @ Twin Cities Church - What Are You Thankful For?

Hey Friends and Family of TCC! I’ve always heard that expressing gratitude when I don’t feel like it is an attitude that can change my view of reality. Even though I know it to be true, it’s still hard to muster up the strength to move my focus off of the difficulties of life onto the blessings God has given.

Gratitude begins when we do what the Bible says, “Give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” My friend, Rick Warren, says, “God doesn’t expect me to be thankful FOR all circumstances, but thankful IN all circumstances.” There’s a huge difference. When I make the huge effort to express my gratitude even when life stinks, it changes my view of my difficulties and reminds me of God’s goodness. That’s really the key to gratitude – realizing how good God is.

So, this Thanksgiving, will you give yourself an assignment to sit down and write down everything you can for which you’re grateful? Will you imagine that you’re on a deserted island with no hope for rescue, and you get a chance to write a list of the things for which you’re grateful? It’s your last chance to say thanks to those in your life who have loved, impacted and blessed you. It’s your last chance to let your loved ones know about the One who has been so good to you.

I recently did this exercise after watching the movie “All Is Lost.” It caused me to take my eyes off of the stuff in my life that hurts and led me to focus on how grateful I am for the good God has brought into my life. You can write your list and then file it away for your family or friends to read someday in the future as they remember your life.

I am praying for all of you this Thanksgiving that you will realize how close and good God is. In fact, why don’t you read this article written by Rick Warren on gratitude as a way to wake up the gratitude in your heart?