Thanksgiving a good time to show our gratitude

" … And God saw it was good."

- Genesis 1:18 (NIV)

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. One of my favorite traditions with my family is to say grace before eating and then for each person to express one thing for which they are grateful for.

Webster's dictionary defines grateful as "appreciative, thankful." Gratitude is an attribute of God. God made the first declaration of gratitude himself after creation when he pondered that all he created "was good."

As we become more deeply acquainted with God, we desire to grow in his character. One of his character traits is gratitude. I see the many ways gratitude brings us into a deeper appreciation for life and deepens our relationship with God. When we are grateful unto another, we are showing God gratitude. When I keep this in mind, it makes me more conscious to be grateful to others.

We can express our gratitude in many different ways. You can thank someone for a gift you were given, their friendship or another act of kindness that you appreciate. And a thank you for a job well done lasts a long time when said with a note.

Love letters are great for mates, and a note in your child's lunch sack or box gives them a special hug. Writing a special insight you've become aware of in your journal is like a hug to yourself and to God for the revelation given to you.

I think during this season of Thanksgiving, it's a great time to motivate ourselves to be mindful to stretch our area of gratitude.

Joining in the spirit of gratitude could be fun and creative as we think of new ways to show and give thanks. We may find it can open the door to new and deeper friendships and mend old ones. It can become a whole new way of life.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, motivational speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Invite her to be your personal life coach or speak at your church group or event.