“For the most part, we assume we are thankful people. Amen. Especially around Thanksgiving, we try to express gratitude in the way we talk and act with others. But honestly, are we truly thankful? We think we are—right? Yet the reality is, thankfulness should run through our lives 365 days a year. Amen.

The Bible says, “In everything, give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Amen. But do we truly give thanks? Often, we find ourselves complaining about everything. We desire to have our families close to us, but when they are, we fail to appreciate their presence. We’re not thankful for them being there. Amen. We strive for a successful career, but once we have it, we grumble about it. Amen.

We pray earnestly for so many things in life—new homes, a baby, a marriage, a fresh start, financial freedom, food on the table, health, courage, a closer relationship with the Lord, and so much more. Amen. But somehow, we lose sight of the blessings God has given us. We forget His goodness and begin taking it all for granted. Amen. What was once a miracle becomes our new “normal,” and we fail to see it as God’s grace and blessings. Amen.

If we could open our eyes, we’d realize none of it is “normal.” It’s God’s daily grace poured into our lives. It’s the miracles of heaven, and they should keep us thankful every single day. Instead, we allow negativity to seep in—criticizing, judging, and gossiping about our family and friends, bringing up their past mistakes, and being unkind. Amen. How did we get here as a generation? One word comes to mind: compromise. We compromise, and we take each other for granted. Amen.

The life we live is shaped by the choices we make. If we want family, we will pursue them—just as Jesus pursues us. We will seek them out, show up for them, and make an effort, no matter the circumstances. Amen. Jesus meets us right where we are, so we should do the same for others. Amen.

So, my heart asks this morning: what about the other 364 days of the year? What are we going to do with them? If we don’t take action—if we don’t show gratitude for the things we have—we have no right to complain about our lives. Amen. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). We need to get up, take action, and put effort into what we want. Invite, ask, pursue, cook the dinner, make the visit, call, send the text—whatever it takes, just do it. Amen.

Because life without family and friends is not truly life—it’s torment. Let’s not let the enemy steal any more of our joy, relationships, or peace (Ephesians 4:28). Amen. Life is too short to hold grudges or push people away. You may not always agree with others, but you can choose to forgive and move forward, just as the Lord forgives us in all our messes and mistakes. Amen.

Love with all your heart. And if you’re murmuring or complaining about something, ask yourself if you’ve put in the effort to change it. No one can change our lives except us. God gives us the strength we need to do whatever is required, but it’s up to us to act. Amen. Let’s live our lives wholeheartedly, thankful for the good, the bad, and the ugly, and truly live our best lives. Amen.

For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen and Amen..Be blessed today, my dear friends, and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi