The year 2020 has been a crazy train. It had brought people through ups and downs, sadness, and joy, as well as anger and resiliency. While it is far from over yet, I am always inspired by people who choose to rise above their situation. People who choose to be kind despite the stress around them. People who choose positivity and thankfulness in spite of the uncertainties. These precarious times we are living in can bring out the best and worst in us. The question is who you want to be? When all of these uncertain times are over, are you proud of who you have become? Will you be dignified with how you responded and have treated others in the midst of a pandemic?

Also read: Thanksgiving Day Activities

 Cultivating thankfulness in our hearts is not only good for our minds but as well as our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to diligently guard our hearts as from it everything flows- what we do, what we say or declare, and how we respond. When we do not know how to cultivate gratefulness in our hearts, we will always find something to complain about, be mad about, and discontentment will linger in your life.

"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life". - Proverbs 4:23

  Philippians 4:8 teaches us how to train our minds. Notice that I said train, it is because it takes practice to shift our minds to thankfulness. I like to imagine a nagging enemy inside my thoughts, he wants to destroy and make you feel less than what God wants you to feel-powerful through Christ. 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there us anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things". - Philippians 4:8

  Being thankful and living a life that shows gratefulness declares not only obedience to God's word but also our response to what Jesus had accomplished for us. Thankfulness can be hard at times, but the good news is, you have the option and can choose to be thankful regardless of the situation we are in. This pandemic gave us all a front seat to what predictable looks like. Take comfort in knowing that the same God who had delivered the Jews is still the same God who will see us through this. His Words and promises are still the same and Jesus still sits on His throne. That will remain the same and will always be true.

"Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever". - Hebrews 13:8

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty". Revelation 1:8

   Thankfulness is a way of life. But sometimes, we get busy and get caught up with everything that is going on around us. We forget that being grateful can bring us joy and contentment. While we should always practice gratefulness, Thanksgiving is also one of my favorites holidays. It gives the whole nation a reminder of the history behind this holiday, a time to reflect on all of our blessings, a time to unite with friends and family, and lastly an opportunity to give back.

 Our Bible is filled with reminders and testimonies about being thankful. Sometimes I would go back to some of my highlighted keynotes {that moved my heart} from the books that I have previously read. Quotes from respected and knowledgeable individuals are also a great tool. Quotes are reminders and it gives us a preview of the author's thoughts and perspective.  There are a lot of quotes on Thanksgiving and gratefulness but I have compiled 10 of my favorite quotes. Fee free to share them on your social media accounts!