Real Thankfulness

There will be many words of gratitude spoken in the next few days, as there should be.  Yes, I have quite the list as well: life, family, friends, provisions, opportunities, etc.  Quite naturally and unconsciously, however, we associate gratitude with life's blessings.  The error of this is we neglect to acknowledge - and rightfully thank - the root cause of all blessings: Almighty God.  If you lost everything you held dear in a moment, how would our depth of gratitude fare?  Would the sincerity of our gratitude be impacted? Honestly, I'm not confident of my own answer to these questions. In his gospel, John  speaks profoundly of He Who blesses: "And from His Fullness we have all received, Grace upon Grace." (John 1:16).  The soul’s true gratitude rests in the One Who gives to each one "according to His riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19).  The "things" we see as objects of our gratitude - and yes, we are rightfully thankful - are temporal, one day and in a moment … gone.  Hence, I challenge you this Thanksgiving instead of giving your full attention to blessings, turn your attention to the Giver of all things - both physical and spiritual - and His Perfect nature.  God is the One Who numbers each hair on your head (Luke 12:7); Who catches each tear you cry (Psalm 56:8); Who has you engraved in the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16); Whose eyes are ever on you (Psalm 33:18); Who never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4); Who promises to be with you in all circumstances and at all times (Matthew 28:20). This mind set has the potential to change your entire Thanksgiving holiday.  Experience it - real thankfulness.