For what are you thankful?

That is a loaded question! Generally, you don’t just start with that question when you run into someone, for most people, we might like to warm up to it. Gratitude is one of the most important learned and developed character traits, it impacts every element of living in community, and we notice it when it is absent. Or if it is lacking. We consistently need reminders to show thankfulness, even if we want thanks from others.

So, why is thankfulness so difficult to consider on the spot?

…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I find this in relational conversations of all types, all the time. People take things for granted, they take others close to them for granted, and they feel taken for granted. As we become hardened in our ways, if we do not make a turn, there can be long term consequences and lost relationships. In some circles, a focus on gratitude can even be subversively be construed as ‘weakness’, especially where independence is lauded. If we’re not careful we end up creating relationships that are more like contracts.

Gratitude is vital in everything! At the most basic level, I consider it learning to balance our wants and our gives.

We all want. It is not a selfish thing to evaluate what it is that you want in any given situation. In fact, it is incredibly helpful in a team environment to share what our ‘wants’ are so we understand one another. These are expectations and they are part of every facet of life.

We all give. When we do not share the ‘wants’ we struggle in our giving. If we choose not to give, we foster an environment where others will choose to do the same. If we are only focused on the want, our give will be selfishly motivated.

Gratitude teaches us how to give without expectation. It can be hard to break the cycle of constant comparison, but once we do, we create space for others to grow in gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

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