Monthly Devotional

Thanksgiving – Noun, Verb, and Adjective

November 2007

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)

Last year we made a Thanksgiving banner for our dining room. Each of the 12 squares featured a letter from Thanksgiving and a picture to go with that letter. But when I hung the banner over our doorframe, I reversed the letters and deliberately spelled Giving Thanks instead. Why? I needed a reminder that the word Thanksgiving is built on Giving Thanks.

Is Thanksgiving only a noun, or can we put it into action and make it a verb? (I sound like I’m still teaching English….) On Thanksgiving Day we give thanks. This makes it a verb. But when we have thankful hearts, it also becomes an adjective.

Each year the third grade classes at my daughters’ elementary school serve a full-scale Thanksgiving feast. The highlight of the event is the surprise “I am thankful for…” slide show put on by the children. It’s touching to see the children’s pictures and to hear their voices say what they’re thankful for. It’s wonderful to be around thankful people for whom the heart of Thanksgiving is Giving Thanks.

How can we express thanks and appreciation this autumn? At Thanksgiving, some families place 5 kernels of corn by each person’s plate. One by one, each person takes a kernel and says something they’re thankful for until they’ve gone around the table five times. It’s a simple gesture that prompts a thankful heart. If this little tradition were a daily action, then our lives would reflect 1 Thes. 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I want to be known as a thankful woman (adjective) who gives thanks in everything (verb). Then Giving Thanks will be the heart of the celebration of Thanksgiving (noun).

Lord, we come to you with hearts of thanks giving. Throughout our days, open our eyes to notice your many blessings so that we may express our gratefulness. May we always give thanks to You for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Copyright © 2007 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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