Thank-FULL

From Our Hearts to Yours 

Give THANKS in all circumstances (in your marriage); for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

November! All the candy is gone (at least out of sight) and our thoughts and hearts turn to the holidays. Beginning with Thanksgiving !!! (even if you already have your tree up and have been watching Christmas movies since July)

The holidays can be super stressful for marriages. The expectations and demands of schedules can get even the strongest marriages a little bit sideways. Extended family obligations, and all the cooking, baking, and cleaning can leave us a little bit frazzled and not allow us to be truly “present” and we can have a “get-through-it” mentality at times.

This is where 1 Thessalonians 5:18 can become a lifeline. Notice this verse says nothing about how we feel. Feeling thankful isn’t even implied. Also notice – it doesn’t say when you are living under the showers of God’s blessings – give thanks. NOPE. It says – do something - give thanks – an ACTION. When? In all circumstances!! That is so hard! WHY? Well…it is God’s will for us! It is what God desires for us!

As a married couple we really need to take this verse to heart. Couples often take each other for granted. He always mows the lawn, she always does the laundry, he always pays the bills, she always coordinates the family activities. We forget, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to take a pause and verbalize our appreciation to our spouse! Simple hug and thank you for… can mean that your spouse “sees” you and your effort. Words have power, and words of affirmation and appreciation can set the tone and atmosphere of our marriage relationship.

So – since November is the month of Thanksgiving, and since we all want to be in the will of God – decide together how you want to “do” thankfulness. Do you want to have a daily time where you look at each other and say one thing for which you are thankful for about your spouse? Do you want to write down things you notice for a week and then give one another a “thankful note” on a weekly date night? Plan to list at least two things you appreciate about your love when you do your daily prayer time. Plan to have the family join in at Thanksgiving meal, to be in God’s will, at the big feast meal you’ll share.

Rolling into Christmas – your outlook and level of gratefulness will be much increased and you will be so much closer in your marriage. Make a plan – do the plan.

DO thankfulness. No matter the circumstances – or your particular brand of family crazy.

GIVE THANKS!