by Victoria Heinecke

God’s grace is the heart of Thanksgiving.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 1:4 New International Version (NIV)

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a holiday marking a day to give thanks for God’s providence, a fruitful harvest, and the blessings of the past year. The word Thanksgiving is translated from Greek as Eucharisteo, whose root is the word charis (grace).

I recently finished the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The book was inspired by the author’s friend, who challenged her to write down one thousand things she loves. This was my third or fourth attempt to read the book; for one reason or another, I gave up on the book and put it away.

This time, I picked it up again, simply because it was November. It seemed appropriate to read it in a month of gratitude.

This time, God worked through the book to massage my heart. He spoke the words: “My grace is sufficient for you.” From the everyday stuff of life to the sustaining wonder of the Lord’s Supper – the Holy Eucharist – God provides for us in infinite ways. And his grace, which redeems us through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, covers it all.

“…because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.“
2 Corinthians 4:14-15 NIV

Each day is a gift from God, and each day is a call to give thanks to him. Even on the days when gratitude is hard, grace is still there, one of many gifts God has given each of us. Looking for the ways God showers his love on us leads to a life of gratitude and joy.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 NIV

Take the opportunity to find one thousand things you love. The more you find, the more you’ll see.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado