Daily Thanksgiving

Room For A New Tradition

One of the new traditions I really enjoy about Thanksgiving are the daily posts I see on social media from various people. At first I thought it to be a bit hokey and contrived—in other words—cheesy. It also seemed to be somewhat of a bragging session with some people.

However, this year I saw a person post how excited they were for November to be able to express their gratitude on a daily basis. This is where my attitude changed. I realized this new tradition provided a way for people to actually take the time to think about what they are truly grateful for and express it over an extended period of time—not just on Thanksgiving Day.

Still A Need For The Old Fashion

On the other hand, I have to give credit to my brother who also gave a call to action, petitioning his Facebook friends to do more than make blanket statements of gratitude through social media. He admonished people to actually express their gratitude in person or through a true sentiment to those whom they are grateful for—not just through social media.

Thanks And Joy

This brings my mind back to last week’s post about service. I am the type who is most happy when I forget my own troubles and help others. There is nothing more gratifying to me than helping someone in need or doing something nice for someone else. Seeing the appreciative glow on their face fills my thoughts and heart for days. I also feel this same gratitude, love and joy when others take the time to serve and help me. There is something to be said about serving others that brings both the giver and the receiver joy—and it’s nice to feel that joy from both ends.

So what brings this joy? A thankful heart!

“Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.” - Alma 26:27

Think about it. The things that we are truly most thankful for are generally the things that bring us the most joy and vice versa. I can tell you that I was full of thanks and joy when my brother and neighbor helped me reconstruct the awning to my front porch. I can also name a few other things, like my wife and my children (which I am most grateful for), like the sister in church who selflessly helps with my kids every week (she is a lifesaver), like a warm house after putting up the Christmas lights (too early, I know), or even those little chocolate mints after eating at an Italian restaurant (mmmm...).

Joy and thanks seem to go hand-in-hand. However, we often indulge in the joy, yet forget to express the thanks that so naturally compliments it. The expression of thanks can open our eyes to the blessing that we were blinded to before and help us find an unrealized degree of joy. Not just this month, but on a daily basis. Let that sink in for a bit.

So instead of loafing around while gravy drips down your face or planning your Black Friday special-ops strategy this Thanksgiving, spend a little more time this week—and from now on—giving thanks! It could do wonders for you and those around you—but only you can make it happen.

Live In Thanksgiving Daily - Alma 34:38

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!