30 Days of Thanksgiving … an Experiment

Today begins a season of Thanksgiving. November rolls around and my thoughts turn to turkey, football, family, Thanksgiving and yes … Christmas. It is so easy to skip right over Thanksgiving these days as Christmas decorations go on display simultaneously with July 4^th fireworks. Already Christmas “sale” signs are alerting every shopper to the “early bargains” and smaller crowds. Everyone is encouraged to get a jump on the mall madness and Christmas frenzy. But what if I could slow down and focus for just a moment each day for the next 30 days, focusing my heart and filling my thoughts with thanksgiving toward God? How would that change me or better yet, my Christmas celebration?

David reminds us Psalms 42:4, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.” My capacity for thanksgiving is key to my authentic celebration because it represents where I truly put my hope, my faith and my love. So here’s a thought … let’s do this experiment together. Will you join me on the journey each day for 30 days in this Thanksgiving Experiment?

Let me begin by encouraging you to S.O.A.P up in Psalm 69:30-36 and reflect on the ways you can express your praise and thanksgiving during the next 30 days. I must admit sometimes my adoration, praise and thanksgiving is an attempt to butter God up so I can get to the important stuff, what I need and want. Let’s take this season to focus our hearts, minds and lives on our God who is worthy of our thanks. We have so much to be thankful for … let the experiment begin!