Thanksgiving

November 25, 2024

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.” Philippians 1:3 NLT

Paul’s expression to his Philippian friends tells exactly how I feel toward my NewPointe family. I feel honored and blessed to be part of a group of people who are making such a difference in our communities and world.

Of course, this week is Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for you. We are a group of people who are grateful for what we have together. I want to encourage us all to live a life of thanksgiving beyond the holiday. The words "Thanks" and "Giving" are not just about a holiday – they’re a reminder of how we can choose to live our lives.

Thanks and giving aren’t just words; they are actions and attitudes that can transform our lives and the world around us. When these get off the page and into your daily living and my daily living, things will begin to change:

Thanks is one of the simplest yet most powerful words. Gratitude is generally said to be one of the healthiest emotions.

Giving is more than just material possessions. It is about giving one’s time, attention, and compassion.

A mindset of thanksgiving can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional well-being. Intentionally nurturing a more resilient and optimistic outlook can transform your entire life.

Let’s think about it:

Thanks is the art of appreciation. Thanks is one of the simplest yet most impactful words in any language. You don’t have to be around too long to learn that a genuine expression of gratitude can change the course of a day, a relationship, or even a life. I am sure you could tell a story of how a “thank-you” at the right time did wonders for you. I imagine you can also tell stories about how the lack of gratitude has hurt you.

Thanks is about humility and appreciation. True thanks is not just words, it is a lifestyle; a way of seeing the world.

Giving is an act of generosity. Giving is not just about material possessions. True giving often has little to do with that. It has everything to do with time, attention, and compassion. It is about offering what you can, whether it’s a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a helping hand.

Generosity has the power to transform not only the receiver but the giver. When we give, we experience joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

Putting those emotions and actions together turns Thanksgiving into something wonderful. It is about being aware of our blessings and using them to make the world a better place. We don’t need to wait for a particular season to be thankful and give. Every day offers opportunities to appreciate what we have and share with others.

The key is to live in the present. We forget to appreciate the present because we get caught up in the past or are anxious about the future. God encourages us to live one day at a time. We will find our strength and thanksgiving as we do and savor the time we have.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV