The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Laughter echoed through the house as family members arrived, each carrying a dish and a story. The table was set, and anticipation filled the air. But before anyone picked up a fork, the host asked everyone to pause. “Before we eat,” he said, “let’s each take a moment to share something we’re thankful to God for.”
At first, it was quiet. Then little 7-year-old Trixie broke the ice. “Papa, I love the doll you and Mimi gave me for my birthday so much. I thank God for it all the time!” she said with a big smile. Then Jake spoke up. “It’s been the toughest year of our lives—getting laid off and not knowing what we were going to do. But God led me to a new job that I absolutely love. I didn’t see that coming, and I’m so thankful!” One by one, they gave thanks around the table—the new grandchild, the peace of knowing Jesus, and so many other blessings—until everyone had shared. With each voice, the room filled with something richer than the scent of the meal—it filled with gratitude, humility, and joy. By the time the prayer was said, hearts were already full.
That’s the beauty of remembering and giving thanks. God Himself designed it that way. Throughout Scripture, we see how He wanted His people to pause and remember His goodness. After freeing the Israelites from slavery, God told them to celebrate special days—like Passover and the Feast of Booths—not just for tradition’s sake, but so they would never forget who He was and what He had done for them.
Deuteronomy 8:10 (NLT) — “When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”
Gratitude was never meant to be an afterthought—it was meant to be the centerpiece of life. God knew that when His people remembered His faithfulness, their hearts would stay soft and their lives would stay anchored in His goodness. Forgetfulness leads to pride and fear, but remembrance brings humility and peace. That’s why David wrote,
Psalm 103:2 (NLT) — “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
This Thanksgiving, before the meal begins, consider making a few simple moments of gratitude part of your family’s tradition. As everyone gathers—perhaps while enjoying a few appetizers or waiting for the last dish to come out of the oven—invite each person at the table to share for a minute or two something they’re thankful to God for.
It might be something He’s done for them personally—a prayer He’s answered, a promise that carried them through a difficult time, or even just the simple gift of life and breath. It might be something in their daily life that brings joy—a friend, a job, or a family restored. Let each voice be heard. Gratitude grows when it’s spoken out loud.
As each person shares, you’ll begin to notice how the atmosphere changes. It won’t just be a table filled with food—it will become a table of thankfulness, a small reflection of heaven’s joy. The focus will shift from what’s been prepared in the kitchen to what’s been prepared in the heart.
When everyone has shared, have someone—maybe one of the younger ones or a grandparent—pray a simple, heartfelt prayer over the meal. Thank God for His blessings, for sending Jesus to save us, and for the love that binds your family together. Then enjoy the meal with hearts that are already full.
The truth is, gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving Day. It’s a daily rhythm that keeps us close to God. When we pause to remember what He’s done, we find fresh faith for what He’s still doing. Every thankful word is a reminder that His love has never failed us—and never will.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) — “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
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