Thanksgiving

An Attitude of Thanksgiving

By Mike Thompson

Thanksgiving is an awesome time of year. What other day do families come together on to reflect on what we are grateful for and then devour it until we fall asleep? Of course we come together other times of the year such as Christmas to feast and exchange gifts but no other day do we come together and reflect on what we are grateful for. 

Much of this is due to our busy lifestyles. When we juggle work, family, shopping, chores, and the rest of everyday life, it seems we have little time to relax let alone ponder the seemingly meaningless details of our day. This is unfortunate, especially considering the benefits of thanksgiving. Being thankful goes beyond simply seeing the glass half full, it actually propels us into a mindset that not only changes our attitudes and the way other people treat us but also changes us.

Last fall, my wife and I had the opportunity to go Zimbabwe. During the trip we got to visit an orphanage. While there, the lady who ran the orphanage told us that someone had stolen some diapers they desperately needed. Keep in mind, these weren’t Huggies, they were cotton diapers that they have to wash and reuse.

As a response, many present from our group agreed that stealing diapers from an orphanage could potentially get you to the lowest part of hell. When the orphanage mom heard it, she quickly corrected us. She said think about how desperate and in need they are if they have to steal from us. It’s not their fault, she convinced us; they are just doing what they have to do as well. 

Needless to say, this blew our minds. Coming from the abundance of the west, it was hard for us to even comprehend this kind of idea but she, the victim, was filled with more peace and contentment than we were. Her peace and contentment not only spread to us but so did the understanding of the situation which I believe planted a seed that has sprouted at other times in my life, one time even recently.

Just this fall, I found myself getting frustrated at a close relative that I work with weekly. As I was driving, I began expressing my frustration to my wife when a good memory of him came to mind. I noticed my attitude and frustration towards him completely changed when this memory of him encouraging some homeless people replayed in my mind. Instead of remaining offended, I quickly became thankful for having him as a part of my life. My entire countenance changed as this ah-ha moment unfolded. 

At that moment, I started realizing to a greater degree the transforming power and freedom that an attitude of thanksgiving brings. Not only did it deliver me from my frustration at that moment, it changed my attitude toward him which changed the way I treated him, thus, making me a different person. 

I encourage you all to take a different look at the frustrating people and circumstances in your life. Not only during this holiday season but every day for the rest of your life, try to look for something good in every person and circumstance with an attitude of thanksgiving. You never know who you might change, even yourself.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!