5 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it should be something we actively do. So, how can we truly make this a day of giving thanks? Here are five practical suggestions:

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty
   I hadn’t considered trusting God as a form of thankfulness until the year our son, Larry, was diagnosed with cancer just before Thanksgiving. That year, Psalm 100 stood out to me, reminding me that one of the most profound ways to thank God in difficult times is by trusting that He knows best and has our good in mind.
   "Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving…” —Psalm 100:3–4

2. Praise God for Who He Is
   We often feel thankful but don’t always express it. Hebrews reminds us that our praise to God is a sacrifice He delights in. This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on God’s unchanging nature and offer Him praise for who He is.
   "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." —Hebrews 13:15

3. Write a Thank-You Note to Someone Who Doesn’t Expect It
   This simple act will bless both you and the recipient! Think of someone who has impacted your life and send them a note of gratitude, highlighting how they’ve encouraged you. If you have children, encourage them to do the same.
   "I thank my God every time I remember you." —Philippians 1:3

4. Tell Your Family Why You’re Thankful for Them
   Instead of a general “I’m thankful for my family,” take the time to tell each family member specifically why you’re grateful for them. Paul often expressed his gratitude for people with detailed reasons.
   "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." —Romans 1:8

5. Reflect on God’s Goodness
   This brings us full circle. God continually pours out His goodness on us, and we honor Him by pausing to recognize and thank Him for it.
   "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." —Psalm 68:19

As Christians, we are commanded to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). You likely know this verse well, but it can be easy to overlook its application in daily life.

Thanks giving is the perfect time to intentionally practice the act of giving thanks.