November… For Americans, it’s supposed to be a time to think about the things we’re grateful for. A time that should remind us of our blessings and bounty. The holidays are a time to look outside ourselves to the needs and hopes of others, but also step back from the every-day duties and distractions to connect with family and loved ones. Outward and inward.
Struggling to feel grateful as we head into the holiday season? You’re not alone. But we can be mindful and find the grace. Check out The Gratitude over Grumbling Challenge!
When I think of gratitude, and the beauty of living in it, I think of Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. When I first saw the cover, I misjudged the book. It looked pretty, insubstantial, full of touch-feely fluff. And while it’s a beautiful read, it’s not easy. Nor is it light.
While gratitude, like the Fruits of the Spirit, grows in us as we abide in Christ, it also requires choice, will, and effort to live out. Like praise, gratitude demands expression even when we don’t feel it. When we choose to thank and worship God even when it hurts, our pain is transformed. It may still hurt, but we open our hearts to the balm of a deeper relationship with God. We grow. We heal. When we seek and embrace grace despite the package it comes wrapped in, we can be filled and blessed to have it spill out of us into others’ lives.
Fair warning, if you haven’t read One Thousand Gifts and decide to, the first two chapters are a heart-wrenching kick to the gut. You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Ann’s gift-listing offering of thanksgiving to God without knowing the hard places from which it arose despite.
As the holiday season barrels down on us, let’s take time to look for the blessings, the gifts, and choose gratitude for the ones that feel good… and those that come wrapped in packages we wouldn’t have chosen.
Read more about accepting blessings as they come in the holiday season and beyond.
Listen When He Speaks
Gratitude is our November Listen When He Speaks theme.
What is Listen When He Speaks? A different type of Scripture reading and writing plan. Learn more here. You can also sign up here.
Already signed up? Download the November reading list here.
Our suggested memory passage for November is Philippians 4:4-7. Memorize in the translation of your choice. Here’s the NIV…
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.