Sacrificial Thanksgiving

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High.

Psalm 50:14 esv

A road trip is an incredible opportunity to see what is outside our small worlds. A road trip can be a journey with hills and valleys, storms and sunny days, discoveries and special moments. If we are not careful, we can fail to recognize that both parts—the good and the bad—work together to create the adventure and memorable experience. Similar to life.

Life has so much to offer and holds so much promise—moments of joy and happiness that we can celebrate with the people around us. We talk openly about the positive parts, not leaving out any details. In those moments, it’s easy to slow down and be grateful for all we have and the people we can share it with.

But life can also be like the rocky stretch up a dark mountain pass. Our path is a slow, constant upward toil that strains the engine. We can’t see the top and don’t know how long it will take us to get there. When our path is uncertain and full of trials, it can be hard to be grateful.

But gratefulness is more than looking at the positives in life. Gratefulness is developing a sense of anticipation about the future. What is over this hill? What is coming for me around the bend? What is on the other side of this storm? Chances are it is a part of the adventure that will mold and shape us into who God wants us to be, but only if we allow it to do so. Gratefulness is keeping our eyes searching for what God is doing in us and with us along life’s road. It won’t always be easy, but we can be grateful for the plans he has for us.

I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.

Brené Brown

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Melody Beattie

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

G. K. Chesterton

For Further Reflection

Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 118:24; Acts 24:3

Today’s Prayer

God, forgive me for not recognizing all the blessings you have given me. Help me to walk today in gratitude. Amen.