It seems really easy for us to say we are thankful. I am thankful for all God has done, I am thankful for my parents, I am thankful for my spouse, I am thankful for my children... What does "thankful" mean? As I was reading the dictionary, they used it as an adjective, and a noun. But, I truly think if one is truly thankful, it should be used as a verb. To show action. If one is truly thankful, they will act accordingly.
In ones religion one can be thankful for many things. Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost.. come to mind first. Is it enough to be thankful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and not act upon the promptings we receive, or be worthy enough to keep his spirit to be with us. Is it enough to show our gratitude to God and Jesus Christ by just saying, I believe? In all they have done for us, I think not. How can I show my gratitude? I recently heard someone talk on submitting our will to God.What does that mean. After you cut through all the different directions you can go with it, it comes down to, trying to live all the commandments of God with all the attributes he has, and to do it because we want to, not because we have to.
For example...if we are truly thankful for our place of worship, we should be eager to clean the church and maintain it, happily. If we our are thankful for our leaders, we should strive to do what they ask us to do, even if it is something that is difficult. If we are thankful for those who serve us, we should join shoulder to shoulder to serve others. I could go on and on, pages and volumes.
Being thankful for our parents comes next to my mind. Parents aren't perfect, heavens, I have made so many mistakes in that department. How do we show gratitude? Obedience, showing concern, taking care of, all come to mind. May I also purpose that maybe the way we live our lives, is one of the best ways in showing our gratitude. How we treat others, how we rear our children, how we serve others, how we act when they are no longer on this earth. How are you showing that you are thankful for your parents?
Being thankful for our spouse. Do we say we are thankful, or do we show we are thankful? Being married gives one the opportunity to be totally unselfish. That being said, being unselfish is a great way to show your gratitude. Do you constantly keep score, or are you willing to loose once in awhile. Are you aware when a spouse is down and needs uplifting, or do you put the screw in even deeper, because you had to give more, or do more that day? Do you forgive, even when a terrible injustice has been done? Are you truly thankful?
Being thankful for children. I hear people say how much they love their children everyday. Are they a burden, or do you see them as a joy. Being thankful for our children can sometimes be hard, it unfortunately, can also sometimes be unpopular. Do you put your main focus on them, or do you find satisfaction in everything else. Do you give up doing what you want to do, for what they need you to do. Do you go through the act of being a good parent, or do you truly immerse yourself into parenthood? My there is a lot to being thankful.
So yes, showing one is truly thankful, is a lot more that lip service. It is a way of life, an action plan, and yes, a most important verb. I am thankful for what I have, and in every way will try harder to show it. I have a long way to go. Hope you will continue to be thankful now, and through all the years to come. Because one should never give up on being thankful.
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