“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it” (A.W. Tozer).

I wonder if we actually took time this Thanksgiving to give actual thanks, would it change our perspective a little? Would we be as anxious to rush out the next morning and trample over people to buy a lot of what we don’t need for people who don’t need it?

I’m definitely not knocking Black Friday. I do think that Thanksgiving as a holiday has become National Turkey Day and the gateway to Christmas and all things Christmas shopping. But I’m convicted more and more that gratitude doesn’t naturally flow out of me unless I’m intentional about choosing it. By default, I’m much more inclined to default to a mentality of entitlement rather than gratitude.

So to keep it short tonight, take some time this Thanksgiving to give thanks for the food in front of you and the people around you and the roof over your head. Remember all those who died so that we could have the freedom to worship and celebrate freely as we choose. And be sure to say your thanks out loud, both to God and to each other.