In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

A Thankful Spirit

First among the things to be thankful for is a thankful spirit. Some people would grumble at the accommodations in Heaven if they ever got there. They take their blessings here so much as a matter of course, that even a day of general thanksgiving once a year is more than they feel any need of. And if their personal blessings in any measure fail, gratitude for what they have had or still enjoy is the last thing they think of.

Another group really desire to be thankful, but they are naturally despondant. Their sky is dark with clouds as they go thorught the world in a deprecating spirit, hoping things may turn out will yet fearing for the worst. We always feel glad for this group when Thanksgiving Day comes around. They then have an official reason for the gratitude. If their own hearts do not feel blessings, perhaps they can see it in those around them.

How different with a thankful heart! What a gift it is to [have] an outlook towards the bright side of things! And if not so by nature, what a triumph of grace to be made thankful through a renewed heart! It is so much more comfortable and rational to see what we have to be thankful for and to rejoice accordingly, than to have our vision forever filled with our lacks and our needs. Happy are they who possess this gift! Blessings may fail and fortunes vary, but the thankful heart remains. The happy past is secure - and Heaven is ahead.

~from: Seasons of the Heart