Be Thankful

A few years ago, there was a certain toy almost every kid wanted for Christmas. I spent over a month searching sales ads and discount codes to be able to afford it for my twins. I couldn’t wait for Christmas morning, and seeing the excitement on the faces of my boys made every hour I spent scouring the internet worth it! They quickly ran off to show their friends, but when they came back, something was different. Another boy not only got the same toy, but also got five other expensive items. Imagine my disappointment at my son’s reaction. “He got this AND that!”

Only moments before, they were thrilled with what they received. Now, they were confronted with what we all have to face at some point: someone else had more!

On Christmas morning, I explained to my twins what it means to be content. The Cambridge Dictionary defines contentment as “pleased with your situation and not needing or desiring it to be better.” The “it” is whatever someone else has that you want.

There is always someone who’s more popular, has better clothes, better hair, or a cuter boyfriend. For adults, it’s a bigger house, nicer decorations, or a more expensive car. The list goes on and on. I think it comes down to a choice. Thankfulness is a mindset.

I remember spending a summer in an extremely poor country where the families had very little, yet they were some of the happiest, most content people I’ve ever met.

So, if you feel the need to compare yourself, ponder this:

• 71% of the world lives on less than $10 a day

• 1.6 billion people live without electricity

• 2 million children die each year because of disease

• 40% of the world does not have a toilet

See how your perspective instantly changes? As Americans, it’s so easy to get caught up in the trap of comparing ourselves to others! This Thanksgiving season, what if we all spent a few minutes choosing to Be Thankful?

The Bible has a lot to say about contentment. I especially love these verses from Philippians 4. Keep in mind, when Paul wrote these words, he was living in a prison cell. He had every reason to complain, yet instead, he chose to be thankful.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Here are some things I’m thankful for this year:

• Healing of my dad’s cancer
• Two healthy boys
• A loving, supportive husband
• Loving extended family
• One published book and a second on the way
• The privilege to live in a country where I’m free and can worship God openly

Will you join me and choose to Be Thankful?

Statistics from J. Lee Grady’s column “10 basic blessings you should be thankful for.” Read the full column at charismamag.com.