Thanksgiving is the Giving of Thanks

Giving thanks to God is best demonstrated by giving the first of our blessings back to God. We should do this, not because He will bless us even more (He will), but because it is the proper way to give thanks. There is a story that I've heard told that illustrates this point.

There were two children who each received a box of candy from their grandfather. One child, grabbed the box and, while running to his room to eat his gift, called "thanks" over his shoulder. The other child accepted the gift, then smiled and lifted the box back to his grandfather and said, "please take the first piece, grandfather". While it is true that the first child personally ate (at least) one more piece of candy than did the second child; who do you believe enjoyed (was blessed by) their box of candy the most?

Often we take the box of blessing our heavenly Father daily gives to us and we forget even to say the word "thanks" over our shoulder as we run to do our own things. Today, let's at least say the word "thanks" and perhaps let our hearts be moved to offer something back. Father help us to remember your blessings and to begin to be thankful on a daily basis, not just once a year.

Tags: Thanks, Giving, Thanksgiving