30 Reasons to Give Thanks

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With Christmas decorations crowding the aisles of most stores, it’s sometimes hard to focus on the beauty of the Thanksgiving season. I believe a heart filled with thankfulness is one of the best ways to prepare us for the Christmas season. It’s not about how we decorate on the outside that matters, it’s what is happening on the inside that really makes the holiday season beautiful.

Personally, I have found that an attitude of thankfulness changes the way I handle difficulties and walk through challenges. Every morning I take a moment to write down at least five blessings that happened over the last 24 hours. Sometimes it’s easy, but to be honest, there are days that I have to think hard about those things for which I can be grateful. The practice is a great discipline that helps me start my day with a positive perspective. I highly recommend it!

What are the benefits of being thankful? Here’s 30 reasons to ponder – one for each day this month!

It takes your eyes off of yourself and your problems
It strengthens your faith
It blesses others
It changes your perspective
It makes you more delightful to be around
It helps you see where God is working
It makes a bad day better
It is contagious
It’s an act of worship
It helps you stay focused on what is good and lovely
It reminds you that God is in control
It chases away a grumpy attitude
It lifts the fog of thinking that nothing good ever happens
It stretches you
It encourages you to take one step forward out of grief or pain
It helps you see the good in others
It makes you less critical
It helps you be more disciplined
It challenges you to think outside the box
It increases your observation skills
It invites you to smile
It encourages you to help others to look for the good
It allows you to dig for something positive in the midst of a difficulty
It strengthens relationships because you are focused on the good in others
It helps you press on toward your goals by looking for inklings of hope
It starts your day in a bright direction
It can dispel the blues
It increases your creativity
It helps you to look at a situation from different angles
It reminds you that God is worthy of our thanks every day because of His goodness and grace toward us