The word "thankful" is often thought of in the most basic sense: being grateful for something you have. But all too often, when our turn comes to list the things we are thankful for, we merely rattle off lists we have memorized by heart and that we repeat every year without even thinking about it. Examples of items on such a list are family, friends, having a home, pets, and food. However, the term "thankful" has come to mean so much more to me. No more does it simply mean being grateful for the bigger things--it also means being grateful for those moments where you want to lift up your hands and praise God for giving you something. The 'something' doesn't have to be a material possession--it can be the love of a friend, a beautiful sunset, the sound of rain upon a window, or the feeling you get when you accomplish a major goal. Still, this does not mean that you should not be truly thankful for the bigger things, as well. Think of all the people who have suffered because of Hurricane Katrina and no longer have homes. Think of the millions of orphans in Kenya who are alone in the world. This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to take time to think about everything, even the smallest things, that you are thankful for.

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1 Chronicles 29:13:
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 7:17:
I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 69:30:
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 75:1:
We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 136:26:
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.