Thanksgiving was this past Thursday. It is one of my favorite holidays. We gather with family and friends, have a lovely, prepared meal, and watch football; nothing beats that. Thanksgiving is the time of the year when people reflect on what they have been thankful for throughout the year. It has been a year since the pandemic altered the way we spend time with family at this time of the year. I know it certainly changed the way I gathered with family.

Families have Thanksgiving traditions, which changed last year; that change in traditions was one of the many disappointing aspects of 2020. One we never want to live through again. As bad as it was, there were still reasons to be thankful. Regardless of the situation, as Christians, we should always be grateful.

In the first chapter of Thessalonians, we see how God wants us to be thankful.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 16-18 ESV)

During the pandemic, we all have seen our ups and downs. This past year, even with everything that happened, we have so much to be thankful for in our lives. We have to remember to be grateful and reflect. As Thanksgiving has come and gone, as Christians being grateful is something that to be done year-round. The holiday this year looked different compared to last year for many. I hope and pray everyone enjoyed the time with family and friends as well as resuming Thanksgiving traditions. God shows us his salvation, which is the greatest blessing of all and one we are thankful for every day. I challenge all of us to strive to be grateful no matter the circumstance.

Psalm 50: 23 ESV: The one who offers Thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly, I show the salvation of God!

In Psalm, we see the importance of giving thanks. Psalm 107:1 ESV: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!