Thanksgiving! The word is something of a paradox. Think about it. More often than not, one is thankful for something they have received; but the word “thanksgiving” advises us to “give.” Human nature generally prefers receiving more than giving. That nature, at the very least, strains our thankfulness.
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For some time prior to writing this article, I contemplated my own thankfulness. I asked myself if I could give thanks for only one thing, what would it be? I really can’t answer that question. I have so many blessings I cannot put one above all the others. That abundance of blessings should make me more thankful than those who have little. One would think it is easier to give thanks for a lot than for a little. However, I have observed those who have little sometimes are more grateful than those who have a lot.
The presence of abundance tends to complicate thankfulness. When have you received enough that you should be thankful? If someone gives you a gift and you know they could have given you a better one, can you truly be thankful? For example, if a rich person gives you a hundred dollars; and they easily could have given you a thousand, can you, will you be genuinely thankful? Truth to tell, we live in an abundant society; and that abundance can complicate our gratitude.
The real test of thankfulness is the sincerity test. It is easier to give thanks with the lips than with the heart. One can say they are thankful and not be. A lady I know attended a party at which the hostess was given a gift. The hostess thanked people profusely; but when the gift givers departed, the hostess gave the gift away because it was “ugly.”
The Bible exhorts us to be thankful, “O give thanks unto the Lord…” ( Psalm 107:1). Yet, when thanking God, one should be very truthful. You can tell me thanks and not mean it; but God knows your heart. Yes, by all means, give thanks unto the Lord; and by all means, be sincere for genuine gratitude comes from the inside, not the outside.