Give Thanks Every Day

One of the first phrases we are taught to say is “Thank you,” and many children grow up writing thank-you notes. It is very important to acknowledge the kindnesses done for us by others; however, it is imperative to also remember to thank our Creator. Paragraph 2638 of the Catechism reminds us that, “as in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The letters of St. Paul often begin and end with thanksgiving, and the Lord Jesus is always present in it: ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’; ‘Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.'” Every event can be a reason for thanksgiving!

Unfortunately, I can recall many instances in which I prayed for a specific intention and then neglected to thank God once it had come to fruition. For prayers of a larger magnitude, it’s usually easier to remember to thank God; but even those large blessings in our lives often become something we simply live with each day, and then we begin to take them for granted.

Even now, a year into my job, there are days I need to remember to thank God for it. For a long time I prayed and waited for a full-time job that fit specific criteria. Even on the most stressful days, I want to remember to thank God. There are so many people who would gladly take the stress of a job over the stress of unemployment. I prayed for so long for a great job-  shouldn’t I thank God daily once the prayer has been answered? This can apply to so many answered prayers: for jobs, for homes, for the blessing of children, for a spouse, for healing, etc. It’s important to stay on guard and to constantly live in thanks for the life you are living.

Even for the most basic things, we should thank our Creator. It is so easy to take for granted what we have, but many of the things you wake up with every day are what other people are praying for! If you wake up with a roof over your head, food to eat, and suitable clothing to wear, you have much more than many people suffering throughout the world. You never know when you won’t wake up to the very things you are blessed with every day. Thank God for these things! Even the negative aspects in your life can be a reason to thank God. If you are having trouble at work, you can thank God for the opportunity to grow professionally. If you are sick due to over-exerting yourself, you can thank God that you can recognize your own limitations. Everything we have is from God and every circumstance can teach us.

When I take the time to praise God, I can see myself becoming more grateful. Thanking God for all the gifts and blessings in your life brings the positive aspects to mind and this attitude can often bring the problems into perspective. Once you begin to give thanks, it can be difficult to stop! The list keeps growing longer and you realize how many blessings you truly have. Gratitude leads to a heart that is more content and aware. Try purposefully adding thanksgiving to your prayer and throughout the day as situations arise.

Let us be people who strive to continually give thanks. As you begin to thank God daily, watch as your attitude undergoes a positive transformation. Giving thanks will be a building block in your relationship with God, as you see the ways He has worked and is working in your life. Gratitude will teach you to be content and to live in the knowledge of the all the blessings that have been lavished upon you.

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17