It seems that so many people are stressed this time of year. As the holidays approach, you can see it in people’s faces. While some seem to be lifted, more joyous, and carefree during this season, for others, smiles have all but disappeared. As the lines at the grocery store grow longer, traffic jams become thicker, and patience grows thinner, holiday cheer is the farthest thing from the minds of many. Thanksgiving is meant to be a time of reflection and appreciation—a day to foster thankfulness in our hearts for the many blessings we enjoy every day. But if we’re not careful, we may miss it.

As a child, preparing for Thanksgiving meant school projects like craft turkeys and centerpieces, along with history lessons about the pilgrims. We especially loved getting out of school for a couple of days. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, we’d gather with cousins we hadn’t seen in a long time and stuff ourselves with the most delicious feast of the year. I remember sitting with the other children, each of us sporting an olive at the end of every finger, eagerly awaiting someone to lead a prayer and begin the meal. The amazing aroma of turkey and mashed potatoes, hot bread, and fresh pumpkin and apple pies all coming out of the kitchen at the same time was pure paradise. We giggled as Aunt Margaret brought out her famous dish, which none of the kids had the guts to try because we didn’t even know what it was. We laughed together, delighting in the sheer fun of it all. And, like icing on the cake (or should I say whipped cream on the pie), we loved Thanksgiving because to us, it was the official launch of the Christmas season—the most beloved holiday of all. We were thankful and enjoyed every minute of it.

I’m sharing this with you because I believe many of us share similar memories and experiences of Thanksgiving, and these memories tie into a valuable life truth: a thankful heart is key to happiness. The Bible tells us to come before God with an attitude of thanksgiving, to praise and worship Him with a heart of gratitude, and to ask for what we need with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2, Psalm 147:7, Philippians 4:6). In other words, our approach to God should always be one of gratefulness, recognizing that we are blessed. It seems that we shouldn’t ask for more until we first appreciate what we have already been given.

There is so much every day to be thankful for. So, before we get upset, angry, or bitter over scheduling challenges, financial strain, or, dare I say, difficult people, let’s take some time to count our blessings. Let’s not take for granted our freedoms, our prosperity, or the people who make this life so special. And let’s also remember from whom all our blessings flow—the Bible says that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17). So, if you feel that Thanksgiving came and went and you missed it, don’t worry—make today Thanksgiving Day. For a Christian, every day should be a day of thanksgiving.

Author: Dan Nelson

Pastor Dan Nelson, Bible teacher and author, is dedicated to spreading the life-changing truths of God’s Word