November is Thanksgiving month! Too often we overlook this holiday as it’s sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. And then we can get caught up in thinking more about football and Butterballs. But there is so much more to the meaning of this very special holy-day.
Thanksgiving was established as an official holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to help unify a divided nation during the Civil War. So … Thanksgiving can, and should, be a time to help bring two spouses who may not be as unified as they’d like to be … closer together; or to help re-unite fragmented families.
Mark Twain is credited with the quote: “familiarity breeds contempt – and children.” While it may bring a smile to your face … this is often too true. In marriage, familiarity can slowly dull appreciation, and spouses may unintentionally drift into taking each other for granted. But gratitude refocuses our hearts on the good we see in our spouse.
Thankfulness is not merely an emotion — it’s a discipline. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. God’s instruction isn’t to thank Him for everything but to thank Him in everything. Even in seasons of stress or misunderstanding, gratitude trains our hearts to look for His goodness at work in our spouse, in our marriage and in our family.
A grateful husband softens his tone.
A grateful wife opens her heart.
A grateful couple creates emotional safety and deepens intimacy.
Thankfulness invites God’s peace into your home and honors Him through your marriage.
Reflection Questions
- What characteristic(s) of your spouse are you most thankful for right now?
- When have you felt most appreciated by your spouse?
- How can you express gratitude more intentionally?
Application Challenge: Every day this week, tell your spouse one thing you thank God for about him /her.
Prayer starter: Lord, thank You for bringing us together. Help us to see each other with fresh eyes of gratitude, and to speak thanks freely, and to build a home grounded in gratefulness and grace. In Jesus’ Name … Amen.
