by guest contributor, Valerie Morse
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
(Psalm 100:4-5)
Many keep a book of thankfulness, daily jotting down reasons and opportunities for having a thankful heart. It has been proven to be not only good for the soul, but also for the well-being of one’s mind, emotions, and physical health. True thankfulness of heart has an overall benefit for the individual.
Simple prayers, like the ones we pray over our food before eating, can become mundane at times – prayed almost out of routine, rather than by depth of heart. This was brought home to me by one of my grandchildren.
We are a family of twenty, when we are able to all be together, as we have been fortunate enough to be when cottaging. Gathered around the table, my husband will often ask, “Who would like to do the honours?” Someone will then offer to lead in prayer.
During the bustle of one of our meals, this was overlooked, and my husband felt a little hand on his arm. It was our grandson Charlie, who whispered, “Honours, Pa.”
The sweetness of it touched my heart, but the truth of it reached even deeper. Is thankfulness good for one’s mind, emotions, soul, and physical health? A resounding yes! But Charlie reminded me of something far more important. It is an ‘honour’ to give thanks!
Oh, God, what an honour it is for us to give you thanks, not only for our food, but for the beauty of our world with its seasons, for our family and friends -for our very lives and each breath that we take! What an honour it is to give you thanks, Lord!
A very Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
