By Kay Owen-Larson

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”  Psalm 100:4

Seasons of our lives change, just as the seasons of the year change, but one thing that must remain constant is having a “grateful heart.” A grateful heart is one who expresses gratitude with deep appreciation for benefits received. I think that we as Christians need to develop an attitude of gratitude, not only to the Lord, but towards our families and to those around us.

Why show gratitude?  Is it the right thing to do or does it have other intrinsic value? Demonstrating sincere gratitude takes energy, thought and intentional decisions on our part, whether it’s toward God or others.  So how can having a grateful heart have a permanent affect on you and those around you?

When you express thankfulness, it not only impacts the receiver—God or others—but it also has benefits for you, the one giving thanks.  Recognizing the blessings we have in our lives and acting upon them regularly increases our awareness and appreciation of those blessings. Sharing your gratitude improves your quality of life which can only result in positive emotions for you and others.

The theme of our lives should always be, “As for me and my house, grateful hearts reside here.”

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  Colossians 3:14-17

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and let “Grateful Hearts” reside in your home this year.