Thanksgiving is a sacrifice.

Jonah knows it is. Especially after sitting in the belly of a whale for days, skin burned and wrinkled, hungry and stinking.

David knows, too. When you’ve been running from a crazed king for years, even though you’re God’s chosen successor, it is.

Job knows. When everything has been stripped from you including the support of your friends, it is.

Noah knows. When the whole world has been destroyed and you’re trapped on a boat of animals, it is.

Moses knows. When you’ve been rescued from slavery but are confined to wander a wilderness leading thousands of complaining followers, thankfulness is tough.

We’ve all had our moment when all seems lost and spouting thankful words is the last thing on our mind.

Sometimes it’s a stretch of our heart to conjure up the delights God has given us. But it is also an experience from which we immediately benefit. When we can squeeze thankful thoughts out of our heart, when we can push them from our mouths, they lift up our spirits. Thankfulness reminds us we are cared for.

Thankfulness sacrifices self and gives us hope that God is at work in our lives.

Undoubtedly, you’ll have the opportunity to give it a try soon!

Let thanksgiving bless you.