As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, 2016, I’ve been thinking a lot about thankfulness. It’s a “heart habit” that we don’t exercise nearly enough – especially here in the United States where we have SO much, and yet we seem to never have enough.
You know what I mean don’t you? We think we’ll be content if we could just…
~ get our bank account to $___
~ drive the right car
~ get that new job
~ go on one more dream vacation
~ get into the perfect home
So, when is enough – enough? I think much of the problem with our “scarcity mentality” is that we forget to be thankful.
Did you know that having a grateful heart is one of the best ways to find joy?
When you are thankful, it’s hard to be miserable. When you are thankful, it’s hard to focus on what you don’t have. When you are thankful, life looks a lot different than when you’re not.
This Thanksgiving, I thought I’d just remind us all (including myself) to have a thankful heart all year – not just this week. We need to look back at our lives and thank God for all the blessings He has given us. My sweet friend, Elaine, has done just that, and she has graciously given me permission to share her “Prayer of Thanks” with all of you today.
As you read, think about all the things YOU have to be thankful for. And notice that Elaine even sees God’s mighty and gracious hand in the difficult times of her life. That is one of the best ways to maintain a grateful heart.
Look for God’s hand in every situation you face. Even in the midst of life’s most difficult times, God is there. He never leaves us. He never closes His eyes or goes on vacation. He can and does use even our tough times to do so much of His amazing work. Watch for His finger prints!
I hope you enjoy Elaine’s prayer. Then write your own! And if you want to bless someone else, share your Prayer of Thanks here on the JoyBlog by clicking on the Comments link at the top right side of the page.
ELAINE’S PRAYER OF THANKS
Dear Jesus,
I want to thank you for all the blessings I have received in my life of 70 years.
In the beginning of my life, you gave me the best mother and father anyone could ever ask for! I was raised in a beautiful home, filled with love and compassion – family surrounding me, filled with laughter and love. My teen years were so much fun. You kept me safe and you were always with me, guiding me to do the right thing, always putting you first.
I then became a young woman and got married to my first love, and you gave me two 
beautiful children, Robert and Donna. They are my blessings! My marriage was ended by an unfaithful husband, but you my dear Father, guided me into safety and a good life, providing me with a good job to support myself, which I could never do without your help. My faith in you is never ending!
I then met my husband Bob, continued a life of loving you, and my life is now complete. You blessed me with beautiful grandchildren and a faithful marriage. I have made mistakes in my life that might have disappointed you, and I am truly sorry! I ask for your forgiveness. My life is winding down, and I’m trying very hard to be the best person I can be, giving myself to everyone I love and people of need. I try very hard to surround myself with people who love and adore you, as I do!
Someday I will be with you Dear Father, embraced by your love in Heaven! I thank you for all the treasures that I have received from you, and the lessons I learned by the pain and disappointment in my life. I thank you for both! For I adore you, and feel comfort and safety in your arms. Thank you for all your blessings that I have received, for I am you child!
Elaine
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings and JOY to you all!
Mary
