The Goodness of Giving Thanks from Psalm 31: A Prayer in Time of Ordeal
Source: theconversationhub.com
In my native land, Guyana, I was brainwashed as a child to say “thank you” whenever someone did something for me or gave me something. If I forgot those magic words, my mother would remind me:
“What do you say?”
“Thanks, Auntie,” I would whisper.
Giving thanks was reinforced in primary school run by the Roman Catholic nuns: “Never forget to thank God for everything He has given you.” At Sunday Mass, the Catholic priests hammered it in. We not only had to praise God for His wondrous creation, we also had to express our gratitude.
I was unaware of how much saying “thank you” had become a habitual unconscious response until I moved to Brazil and a friend drew it to my attention. While Brazilians may not have the habit of saying “thank you,” their faith in God’s goodness runs deep. Graças a Deus – thanks be to God – escape their lips whenever they receive good news, a favorable outcome, or an answer to prayer.
In the United States, the practice of giving thanks – a tradition of the first English settlers to this land – was raised to the national level by President George Washington in 1789. A special day in the year is set aside for giving thanks to God. This year, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 22nd.
I consider Thanksgiving Day the most celebrated American holiday. Americans put aside their individual pursuits and come together – often traveling great distances – as families, friends, and as a community to give thanks for liberties fought for and won as a nation, for their achievements, for their victories over adversity.
This Thanksgiving, I remember the millions of Americans on the East Coast who face the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. In the face of adversity, we either find our strength and hold on to what really matters in this life or we are crushed with despair.
In dealing with my own adversities, I have learned that in giving thanks for the gifts, blessings or miracles – depending on your viewpoint – makes each day more meaningful and fulfilling. Make a list of all that you are able to enjoy today and you will appreciate what I am saying. Leave nothing out. We take a lot for granted until it is taken from us.
Give thanks each and every day. Live a life of thankfulness.
Well said.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Rachel. Have a great Thanksgiving Day!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Guyanese Online and commented:
Add your thoughts here… (optional)
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing my blog post, Cyril.
I give thanks for you and the work you do through your blog, Guyanese Online.
LikeLike
A very beautiful post. Growing up in Guyana, I remember having the same experience!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading my post and signing up to follow my blog.
Yes, we were well-trained in good manners.
LikeLike
You are most welcome Rosaliene!
LikeLike
Rosaliene, I am reading your post at 2:30 A.M. my time in the midwest. Quite apropro at this time ‘thanksgiving” I have much to be thankful for. I have two turkeys and gave away one to another person who did not have one. I was in a turkey contest and won the gobble, gobble. In giving, we shall receive. Have a happy
thanksgiving with whom you will be sharing this blessed day, time and year. God bless!
LikeLike
A happy thanksgiving to you, too, Yvonne. Thanks for reading my post.
LikeLike
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
A wonderful Thanksgiving to you, too, Serena.
LikeLike
Wonderful comments from everyone – they give hope.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading, Angela. Hope is all that we have in challenging times.
LikeLike