Psalm 103 reminds us that being thankful is a choice. As people we have to choose to remember all of the things that we have to be thankful for. It is easy to look at the negative around us and be overwhelmed, but the Psalmist reminds us to never forget all of the amazing benefits we have as Christ followers. We must choose to remind ourselves and those around us that we are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving give us that opportunity if we choose to take it.

A thankful person sees the good, not the bad; is positive, enjoys life and isn’t easily offended. So let me encourage you this Thanksgiving season to choose to be a thankful person. Make a list of all of the things and people that you have to be thankful for and then take the time to tell those people on your list that you are thankful for them. Finally remember that God is the source of our thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As Christ followers we understand that no matter what our circumstances may be, we have a hope and future to be thankful for.

The Rev. Ray Lail