Thanksgiving is a time to practice exceptional character. Why is that? Because thankfulness is one of the noblest character qualities.
Additionally, it’s a time for celebration and fun activities. In this content, we look at both:
- A thankful heart.
- Celebration and fun.
Thankfulness
What exactly is thankfulness? Many dictionaries use words like:
- Appreciation.
- Awareness.
- Admiration.
- Assessment.
- Comprehension.
- Enjoyment (so applicable Thanksgiving Day).
- Gratitude.
- Knowledge.
- Perception.
- Realization.
- Recognition.
- Relish.
- Respect.
A Thankful Heart
Col. 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
I’ve figured out some things about thankfulness. Much of this discovery came from choosing to be thankful in difficult – even painful – times. Thankfulness is a learned skill – which means anyone can be thankful. But the ROI (return on investment) is high.
- I found that, no matter what’s going on, there’s always something to be grateful for.
- I also figured out it’s hard to sin when you’re thankful. Essentially, a heart filled with gratitude leaves no room for sin or “life-stuff” that pulls you into discouragement.
- Plus, I found thankfulness feeds my soul and comforts my spirit. Particularly when I focus on Scriptures’ promises and commands.
So, you can direct your heart into thankfulness.
Exceptional Character
Do you remember how we started? . . . “Thanksgiving is a time to practice exceptional character. Because thankfulness is one of the noblest character qualities.”
So, let’s look at how to develop noble character. Here are action steps to gain exceptional character:
- First, ask God to nurture His character in your life.
- Next, look to Jesus’ life to observe exceptional character.
- Now, adopt His character into your thoughts and apply it in practical ways each day.
- This one’s critical! When you go through difficulties, let Christ’s character be tested in you.
- With resolve, establish a continuous pattern of living with exceptional character.
- Finally, humbly be an example to others who need an example.
That’s a good list! And each of those action steps is something you can do.
People Who Practice Thankfulness
One tip that helps you nurture thankfulness is to observe others who are grateful. Even in their difficulties, these people have a certain disposition about them. To learn from others who are thankful –
- First, pick out “best qualities” you see in them.
- Explore how they feed thankfulness.
- Then, ponder strategies they use.
- Finally, adopt and practice these “best qualities” in your own life.
As you become practiced in thankfulness, you’ll notice your heart changing. Life will take on a healthier glow – even in painful, difficult times. Your outlook will even shift. But thankfulness must be practiced continually as a new life pattern – or it can slip off again.
You’ll notice something else as you practice thankfulness. Others will look to you as an example. Subsequently, I mention two things:
- First, thank God you have something to offer others. Don’t let it go to your head.
- Next, remember. Just as you selected best qualities from your mentors, an eager learner is doing with you. So, be consistent and sincere. When things get difficult – don’t let your heart become discouraged.
Blessings in Difficult Times
In stresses and disappointments, especially in painful experiences, you can still be thankful. It’s not a feeling. Rather, it’s choosing to remember good things are still present in your life. Here are two simple steps to help you practice thankfulness:
- Pause to contemplate blessings still present.
- Discipline yourself to be thankful to God from your heart for those blessings.
This is the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Celebration And Fun
Now, to share something from my personal life. My family participates in a fun activity at Thanksgiving. In fact, it’s become a tradition.
Here’s what you do:
- First, fasten a large piece of paper or poster board to a door or wall. A newspaper business often has “ends” (the end of the roll) they’ll sell to you sometimes. If your door or wall has a molded design on it, make sure people can write on the poster without difficulty.
- Label the poster – “Our Blessings,” or “So Thankful For . . .”
- Then, put out a jar or basket of color pencils, crayons, or markers. (Make sure markers won’t bleed through onto your door or wall!)
- Encourage everyone to write as many blessings as they remember throughout Thanksgiving Day.
- Encourage kids and teens to be creative in expressing their thankfulness on paper.
- “Artsy” folks can draw pictures of what they’re grateful for.
- Prompt others by asking good questions to help get creative juices flowing.
- Then, lead by example. Write or draw your blessings each time something comes to mind.
Interestingly, you’ll have joy as everyone visits this poster throughout the day.
Next Step
Tell your family/group that after the poster is filled, you’ll make a big batch of popcorn. Maybe even caramel corn. While the corn is popping, have kids/teens take turns reading all the blessings to everyone. Then, bow and thank God for all those blessings. It’s a lovely way to celebrate.
I started this article with – “Thanksgiving is a time to practice exceptional character.”
Equally, I’ll end with – “Every day is a time to practice exceptional character!”
Next Week!
Next week we begin Advent – preparing our hearts for Christmas. A daily Advent focus can help prepare your heart for a more meaningful, balanced Christmas. And joy!
What Is Advent?
Historically, an advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event. The notable person celebrated at Christmas is Jesus – God becoming a human baby. What a striking event and arrival! And what a notable person! Subsequently, it requires a response.
Because Christmas is jam-packed with rich traditions, gifts and wrappings, special foods, decorations, fabulous music – it takes purposeful focus to not miss the real meaning. Christmas gives you opportunity to respond personally and intimately to the birth of Christ. Advent prepares your heart and directs your focus into that endeavor.
Often, a wreath with candles is used during Advent. Strategically, light a new candle on each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Incidentally, it’s not essential to use a wreath or light candles. Simple focus on meaningful ideas each day prepares your heart.
Alive and Active Life has a great tool to use for Advent.
A Practical Tool
With challenges of managing preparations, you need a good tool to help you prepare. Celebrate Advent: A Life-Response to Emmanuel is a small book to prepare your heart for Christmas. It’s thoughtful, gently to-the-point, and celebratory. Essentially, it nudges your heart to focus on the meaning of Christmas. Plus, it helps you balance holiday preparations.
All in five to ten minutes each December day leading up to Christmas. Manage holiday stressors while pondering encouraging thoughts.
Back Story Of CELEBRATE ADVENT
Celebrate Advent started as a tool I developed years ago to help my young family prepare for Christmas. Each day has short, focused, devotional nuggets of truth.
As years passed, others found out about it and said – “You need to publish this book.” Now, Celebrate Advent: A Life Response to Emmanuel is our most popular book. The cover is festive, colorful, and inviting. Inside is an easy-to-use layout. Attractive scrollwork graces the pages. Strategically, Scripture is printed right across the page from daily inspirational thoughts. So, you only have one book to open for a few minutes each December day to let peace and joy slip into your heart.
How CELEBRATE ADVENT Works
This book focuses on short passages from Isaiah, printed on the left page. Isaiah announces the birth of Jesus – Emmanuel: God With Us.
Then, the right side features a brief, inspirational thought to ponder – followed by a few lines to record what the Lord impresses on your heart.
Easy-To-Use Design
Days 1-25 of Celebrate Advent inspires a response from your heart at Christmas that affects your life all year.
Days 26-31 helps you consider how you will live in the coming New Year.
What is the Goal of CELEBRATE ADVENT?
Jesus wants to be your companion every day and help you be the person He created. Consequently, God-in-human-flesh wants to help you accomplish your life purpose.
Your life is not an accident. God had you in His heart before creation. Strategically, Emmanuel is the bridge over a sinful gap between God and man. So, respond! And prepare your heart for Christmas by celebrating Advent.
Christmas Hope
Remarkably, you can have hope through God’s gift of Jesus. Now, make a life response back to Emmanuel. Essentially, Baby Jesus welcomes you – “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” (Jas. 4:8 )
The goal of Christmas Advent is to draw close to God by faith.
It’s such a privilege to do life with Emmanuel.
Looking for CHRISTMAS GIFTS?
Our devotional and Bible study books make excellent Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. They help people you care about stay in God’s Word. Plus they’re affordable and keep on giving for years.
Special Announcement
Christmas is right around the corner. We are offering a FREE course –
“Prepare For Christmas Without Missing It.”
Jump in for –
- Tips and ideas to navigate busy Christmas days.
- Step-by-step strategies to create a rich atmosphere of excitement and fun.
- Practical ideas to side-step stress while connecting with special people and traditions.
- Help to connect with Emmanuel and enjoy a peaceful yet meaningful Christmas.
ALSO: If you experience sadness, depression, or grieving, there’s a session to help you find fresh hope, and a bit more joy.
So, sign up today for this FREE resource: www.aliveandactivelife.org/courses. It’s open now!
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