I enjoy watching the variety of birds that feed at my feeders. At times, I’ve counted nearly fifty Goldfinches clamoring for a spot or scavenging for seeds that have fallen to the ground. I’m amazed how, in a few short weeks, their bright, yellow feathers of summer are replaced by the dull, brown plumage of winter. This God-given camouflage provides them added protection to survive.
God’s care and provision are manifested in all of creation. Yet in His sermon on the mount, Jesus assured us that God loves us much more than birds.
What a wonderful reminder of God’s love and provision!
SHOWING GOD GRATITUDE
Each Thanksgiving my family has the tradition of sharing thoughts on what we’re thankful for. Yet I wonder, are there more practical/beneficial ways to express our gratitude to God?
Matthew 25:40 says, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
So then, when we bless others, we are blessing God.
That thought started me brainstorming ideas of how we can show God our gratitude instead of just telling Him. Soon I’d compiled a list of ways we can express our gratitude to God by touching the lives of others.
Here’s my top 20 picks!
1) Spend some quality one-on-one time with your spouse.
2) Hug your children.
3) Send a Thinking of You card to someone on your heart.
4) Share a meal with someone who can’t or isn’t able to return the favor.
5) Pray with someone who’s hurting.
6) Offer to take a shut-in on an outing.
7) Give to a worthy charity.
8) Be someone’s hands or feet.
9) Send a care package to a missionary or military person.
10) Invite someone who has no place to go to your Thanksgiving gathering.
11) Volunteer.
12) Smile at a stranger.
13) Lend a helping hand to someone who’s struggling.
14) Visit someone in a nursing home or assisted living.
15) Be a listening ear to someone.
16) Reach out to someone who’s lost a loved one.
17) Share the gift of laughter.
18) Help someone in need.
19) Show forgiveness toward someone who has hurt you.
20) Tell someone thank you!
Do you have an idea to add to my list? I’d love to hear it!
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
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Lovely Cynthia, your Goldfinches are different to ours, i will send a picture, so grateful for birds, i love watching them and put food out every day, the things on your list all make a difference, blessings.
Thank you, Ann! I look forward to you picture. =)
All 20 ways to show gratitude are wonderful. Thank you. I hope you and Marvin feel good this Thanksgiving. I am praying for you.
Thanks, Linda! I’m glad you enjoyed them. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!