I have been trying to figure out all month the best way to share about giving thanks in November, the month of Thanksgiving. A few verses have come up over and over again throughout the month. Each time they have, I have felt a little tug on my heart. So, I know that God is speaking to me about them.
After a very stressful year: a divorce, losing half my hair, my daughter breaking her leg, and beginning a whole new career, to say that 2019 has been an extremely stressful year is an understatement.
But, I am so grateful for new beginnings and second chances. For the first time in a few years, I feel joy again. I soak up God’s light, scriptures, and His presence each morning and attend church twice a week while also serving in the kid’s ministry at my church. And that has made all the difference in my life.
I have trusted him like never before when I was down in the valley and couldn’t see over the mountaintops to see what was coming next. And out of that trust and faith has come this amazing light. I see it in the morning sunrise and in the evening sunset. I feel it each day that I connect with God and He fills me up to overflowing. I see it in the blessings he has given me even through the struggles and the most difficult year of my life.
The best way to share my thankfulness this holiday season is to shine brightly for others, so that they too can see God’s beautiful light.
Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Stand up and stand out for Jesus. Shine so brightly in front of others that they will know you are different, and will want to know why. And, maybe they will want some of that light for themselves as well.
Shinning brightly for Jesus can be in a simple smile, kind word, or even a good deed. It can be big things like paying off a person’s layaway at a retail store or leaving a huge tip for a waitress/waiter. Or, it can be as simple as just saying kind things to others every single day.
There are so many ways to give thanks. I think this is a very simple yet easily accomplished way to show Jesus you thank him for His blessings and goodness in your life by shining brightly for others to see God’s love.
I hope you and your family have an amazing Thanksgiving eating yummy food, spending time together, and giving thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Be Blessed,
AllisonD
