When Gratitude Is For More Than a Season

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. — 1 Chronicles 16:34

What if gratitude was for more than November?

The end of the year breeds all the thankful posts. I have posted them, and I have seen countless others post them. Its one of my favorite things to read through other’s lists. Gratitude really does set our hearts in softer places. But I wonder why it’s not as common to see thankful posts throughout the whole year. Or why the concept of gratitude definitely doesn't get as much attention. Why do we think that is? I certainly don’t think it is because people are less grateful. I don’t think it is because we don’t want the world to know what we are grateful for. I also don’t think it is because we believe November is the only season where it is culturally appropriate to verbalize. 

So what could it be?

I have noticed that culturally we aren’t strong in noticing abundance. I think November wakes us up to think about thankfulness more, but after that, there are fewer opportunities for us to practice this kind of spiritual rhythm. I wonder what it would look like for us to be women who practice gratitude as a lifestyle instead of only in fleeting moments. 

One of the characteristics in my friends that I appreciate the most is when thanksgiving is naturally a part of their life. Women who notice miracles and unexpected blessings keep my eyes on Heaven. I want to be the kind of daughter who notices where her Father is showing up with abundance- even in the mundane. 

The word of God makes a strong case that gratitude is not just a suggestion or frilly idea. It is not just for November or Thanksgiving dishtowels. I promise you that being grateful does not make you weak. Gratitude is a sign of humility and reliance on the Lord, and recognition that all of this mission, all of the things we are working toward, is all in his hands. 

If gratitude was my lifestyle I would call my best friend more and tell her more frequently what gifts I see in her. I wouldn’t struggle with comparison so loudly because I would be so confident in the things the Lord is doing in my life. I would notice miracles and the hand of God with more fervor. I’d catch more of the small and huge details that matter. I wouldn’t worry about bringing that one girl coffee because I wouldn’t be afraid if she thought it was awkward. I wouldn’t play through the 100 scenarios before/after a social situation with how that one situation could have been interpreted. I would shut down gossip way more. If gratitude was a lifestyle I would put more cards in the mail. I wouldn’t worry about sharing my resources. I would give generously, knowing that a cheerful giver is blessed. I would make long-term decisions that bless others. I wouldn’t be afraid of asking for help because my people would know that I am not taking them for granted. I would speak way more life over friends even when they aren’t in the room. I would know that gratefulness is a superpower, a heavenly mandate, and for way more than November. 

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