Brooke Wiegand

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Do This: A Thanksgiving List

Brooke Wiegand

how we think affects how we thank

Here’s how it works:

  1. Gather your family and closest friends.

  2. Everyone: bring your list. The one you took time to write down everything you’re thankful for — The big and small. The million little ways you appreciated the year for what it was. But mostly, the ones that pointed to the goodness and faithfulness of God.

    I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 143:5

  3. Read it out loud to the room. Watch the people around you smile, laugh, cry a tear, & say “me too” or “remember when”.

  4. Say thank you. It’s no small thing to share our big things. You’ll see.

  5. Go forth with your eyes open to the beautiful & good life around you.

    Then our mouth was filled with laughter; and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do. — Tim Keller

For the friend who WANTS TO SKIP THIS EXERCISE:

It’s been a really hard year and this is the last thing you’d ever want to do. I hear you. Can I encourage you? Perhaps you need to do this the most. Look for and remember how God has worked in your life. May you see with fresh eyes the ways He’s been good to you. (I’ll help you start: He’s never left you.)

It was good for me to be afflicted so I might learn. Psalm 119: 71

God doesn’t ask, demand, or command gratefulness, but it’s our choice to give it. Even in the midst of chaos & pain, choose to pull out what is precious:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Here’s to having a heart that’s postured to give thanks. This year: Make the list. For the Lord has done great things for us. If you complete this exercise, I’d love to know! Leave a comment below.