Thanksgiving is over, the food has been eaten and the festivities only a memory. Do Do you miss sharing what you are thankful for? Life gets busy, and sometimes I forget. You might too. We know that it is important because the Bible is brimming with verses about giving thanks. Want to join me to discover five simple ways to make room for giving thanks?
Five Simple Ways to Make Room for Giving Thanks even When it’s Not Thanksgiving
- Relax – My mind can be a busy place, with lots of thoughts and ideas. Maybe yours is too.
This works for me: I take a few minutes to calm my mind. I mute my phone other electronics. I found this hard at first! But it’s not for long, I promise.
Then, slow your breathing and relax your muscles. It might take a few tries to get the hang of. But, with a clear mind, it is so much easier to focus on God. We know that is what He wants:
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
- Seize the Moment While Waiting – invariably, every day I encounter situations where I wait. You may too.
Between appointments running late, traffic jams or even lines at the grocery store, there always is downtime. My first response can be a frustration that grows.
But I can choose to take the opportunity to be thankful. It is a lot more fun than being impatient!
I usually just think of things during this time. If I am alone in the car, I may say what I am thankful for out loud. Maybe the person in the next vehicle will think that I am on Bluetooth.
Being Creative in Giving Thanks
- Start a Journal – on paper or on your phone it can be an easy way to organize and remember your thoughts.
I have a small notebook I got at the Dollar Store that fits in my purse. I use the notepad on my phone when I am at the gym. I jot down events, people and anything else I am thankful for.
Or, you can use the Thankfulness Sheet I made for you. You can grab it here.
- Don’t limit yourself – don’t feel obliged to be thankful for the same things all the time.
You may feel blessed by your family and friends, but there is a treasure chest of other things as well. How about the parking spot that materialized at the right time, or a steaming cup of java on a cold day? When I am thankful for the small things, I often experience a multiplying effect. I notice progressively more things to give thanks for!
- Use prompts to help – find what helps remind you to give thanks
Listening to Music: a Simple Way to Make Room for Giving Thanks
Songs propel me to thanks. I listen in the car and at home. Here are two videos of songs that I am enjoying these days. I hope you enjoy them too!
Thinking about the characteristics or attributes of God helps trigger ideas of what I am thankful for. These are the ones that I use. God is:
- Love
- Sovereign
- Just
- Holy
- All-knowing
- All-powerful
- Always present
Here’s what I mean. I am thankful for God’s love. Even though I felt left out of a group, I am grateful that His love never changes.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:24 (NLT).
I hope that you found these 5 simple ways to make room for giving thanks helpful. Which step will you try first?