Each Thanksgiving my family has the tradition of sharing thoughts on what we’re thankful for. Yet I have to 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 bless God.

I started brainstorming ideas of how we can show God our gratitude instead of just telling Him. {Show verses tell. Sounds like something a good writer is trained to do.} =)

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!

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
(Psalm 69:30)

Do you have an idea to add to my list? I’d love to hear it!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com