A quick word search at www.blueletterbible.org reveals over 75 verses that refer to giving thanks; obviously, thanksgiving is important to God. Early Americans understood this. In the 1700s, the colonies often set aside days of thanksgiving throughout the year. After the Revolution, it was equally as common for individual states to set aside days of thanksgiving in honor of various important happenings. In addition, of course, the federal government eventually declared a regular national holiday. These early days of thanksgiving were the precursor to our modern Thanksgiving, but in almost no way resembled it. Rather than being times of feasting, they were days of fasting and prayer, of giving special honor and service to God while acknowledging and showing gratitude for His acts on behalf of His people. Boy have we strayed from our roots!

Obviously today’s Thanksgiving is what it is and most of us are unlikely to revert to early American customs where this day is concerned, yet we should seriously consider the importance of giving thanks. More than any other reason, it is important because God expects it, but it is of value in other ways as well. Most notably, the person who practices giving thanks to God has a different heart from the one who does not. He tends to stay more focused on God than on life’s problems and therefore tends to have a more positive outlook on life. As he reminds himself about the things God has already done, he builds up his most holy faith. Too, the one who habitually expresses gratitude on any level, to God or man, tends to be a more generous and giving person.

There are many more very good reasons for specifically developing an attitude of thankfulness. One look at society today shows that thankfulness is one thing that is greatly lacking, so it seems to me that we should be extra careful to cultivate thankfulness both in ourselves and in our children. With this in mind, I would like to make a suggestion.

What if your family were to keep, having either purchased or created it, a thanksgiving book? I would suggest that it be an attractive book, and one with lines large enough that little fingers are comfortable writing in it. I also advise leaving it out in the open, perhaps on the coffee table. Keeping it so readily accessible would accomplish two things. It would, by its presence, remind everyone to use it. It could also, by attracting the attention of visitors, give you opportunity to share with others the great and small things God does for you on a daily basis.

The idea would be that everyone, Mom and Dad included, would take a minute or two each day to note something for which they wanted to thank God. Don’t think only of the big things God does, but also of the small things – His ‘winks,’ as one of my friends expresses it.

Getting everyone involved would be key, of course; even the ‘littles’ can draw pictures or have a parent or older sibling write as they dictate. You will also want to date and sign each entry so that you can come back later and see what you were thankful for and when.

I know this can make changes in the individual Christian’s life, because I have done it myself and have seen what it does for me. As I mentioned earlier, recording notes of thankfulness on a daily basis helps keep my heart right and my focus on Him. Even on the bad days, I can always thank Him for my salvation and the assurance that I get to spend eternity with Him. Another advantage to having this book is that, especially on those bad days, I can reread my past praises and remember God’s faithfulness, that He has never let me down, and His goodness that gives and keeps on giving.

I challenge you to try it. Take this step and declare that, in your home at least, every day is thanksgiving.