Devotion: Being Thankful, Not Just On Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving (and Christmas for that matter), each member of my family takes turns saying what we are thankful for. Of course, this is a great tradition. But why is it that we only think about what we're thankful for during the holidays? Instead of using this as a tradition, why not do this all throughout the year? I've found that living with a grateful heart makes life a whole lot easier. God continues to give us gifts throughout each day, so instead of complaining about what we don't have, why not look at what God has given us? Notice, these gifts aren't always in material form. Look outside of your window. God paints a sunrise for you every morning, a sunset every evening. Thanking Him even when things look rough brings out the beauty in life.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
~Philippians 4:8

If you can't be thankful for what you have, at least be thankful for what you don't have. Outlook always determines outcome.

I know that it's a little too early to be thinking about New Year's resolutions, but why not strive to be more thankful in 2011 instead of making it only an annual 'tradition'?

~~~
What are you thankful for?
Are there any special holiday traditions you and your family do each year to celebrate Thanksgiving/Christmas?

(PS: I will be holding a holiday giveaway in a few days. Be sure to keep checking my blog so you can enter for your chance to win a gift card to Barnes & Noble!)