The more you get to know what God is really like, how much He loves you, and how good He is, the more thankful you’ll become.
Daily Thankfulness to God
As you spend regular time with God, you can develop a habit of thanking Him for three to five things every day. Many people like to do this as part of their daily journaling during a quiet time with God. This is a great way to exercise your gratitude muscle and can quickly become a habit that will start your day off on a good foot.
If you need ideas, just think of the different domains of your life. Here’s a list to get you thinking:
- Relationships with People – Spouse, immediate and extended family, friends, mentors, pets
- Health & Body – Physical well-being and fitness, senses, mobility, ability to exercise, access to health resources and healthcare
- Mind & Emotions – Mental clarity, personal growth, peace, joy
- Your Work – Current and past jobs, skills gained, sense of purpose, achievements
- Finances & Resources – Income, savings, provision
- Home & Environment – Shelter, safety, comfort
- Food & Nutrition – Access to nutritious meals, the means to prepare them, favorite foods
- Learning & Growth – Education, books, wisdom gained from God and others, availability of Christian teaching
- Nature & Outdoors – Sunrises and sunsets, fresh air, mountains, beaches, forests, gardening, seasons
- Fun & Hobbies – Music, sports, creative outlets
- Technology & Convenience – Internet, computers, cell phones, transportation, tools
- Christian Faith – Treasure trove of who God is, your identity in Christ, God’s promises, His Word and Spirit, Fellowship with believers
- Community & Society – Support systems, goods and services, opportunities for you to serve and help others
- Past & Experiences – Lessons learned, fond memories
- Future & Possibilities – Goals, dreams, hope
(The list above was partially drafted with the aid of AI, a tool I’m grateful for!)
Express Thankfulness to Others
Do you sometimes feel unrecognized and unappreciated? The biblical principle of sowing and reaping applies here. If you want to reap appreciation, sow appreciation! If you want to reap grace, sow grace!
We all have many–probably dozens–of opportunities to thank the people around us every day.
Thank your spouse for any kind or thoughtful word or action. If you think they don’t do much that’s thankworthy, it’s especially important to lovingly and genuinely highlight those things! Catch yourself before you say anything critical or anything that sounds like complaining.
Affirm your children regularly, especially for words and actions that reflect development of their character. Let them know you are grateful to have them in your life.
Appreciate your friends. Whether mentors, close friends, old friends, new friends…let them know you’re glad to have them in your life!
Thank your coworkers, your boss, or employees for the help they offer, for opportunities, and for jobs well done.
Thank people in public service in your community. That could be the law enforcement person you pass on a walk, a librarian, the customer service person you speak with when calling a utility, someone who serves in your neighborhood association, a fireman, teachers, professors, tutors, government employees, past or active duty military personnel, and many, many others.
Thank people as you do business. The harried cashier at the grocery store. Employees that help you in other retail establishments. People who help keep your car running and in good repair. The person at the counter of the gas station when your receipt doesn’t print out. Healthcare providers, nurses, PAs, doctors, and dentists. The barista where you buy coffee, and the waitstaff at restaurants. Insurance agents, tax preparers, financial advisors.
You can thank people in person, on the phone, by email, by text, via LinkedIn or other social media, or even with an old-fashioned, handwritten thank you note!
However you do it, just say, “Thank you!” Thank many, thank generously, thank often.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1