Guided Gratitude: Family
Welcome to Day 5, the last day of our Guided Gratitude series leading up to Thanksgiving Day!
If there is one thing we all have in common, it is that we all have family. The difference is how close we are to them. The reasons we may not be close to our family are many: disagreement, lifestyle differences, estrangement, physical distance, etc.
Friendsgiving is becoming an increasingly popular trend. If you are not invited to one or hosting one yourself, you have undoubtedly seen Friendsgiving posts all over social media. This might be bringing friends closer together, but unfortunately, it is happening at the same time that families seem to be drifting further apart. It is hard not to think that there might be a connection. It was recently suggested that some people prefer Friendsgiving over Thanksgiving with family because they feel like they can actually be themselves. If we want to see family relationships repaired, we should ask ourselves why this is. Why do some people feel like they can be themselves around friends, but not family? Is it because we judge our family more harshly? Are we more sensitive to our family’s opinions? Are we less honest with our friends? Do we find it easier to forgive friends? Do we have higher expectations of our family?
As many of us sit down down around the Thanksgiving table with family tomorrow, let us be mindful of these questions. Let us choose an attitude of gratitude and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Daily Gratitude Prompt
Start by saying "Today, I am grateful for family.” This might be easy for some of you and hard for others. Which group can you relate to? Do you look at your family as a good thing or a struggle?
If your answer is a good thing:
Have you expressed gratitude to your family directly? Send a hand-written thank you card to a family member letting them know how much they are appreciated. Then plan a time to get together or have a virtual game night!
If your answer is a struggle:
This is an opportunity to practice grace and patience. How can you set family time up for success? Are you communicating effectively and seeking to understand? What things can you let go of and what things need healthier boundaries? Instead of looking at the past, can you be optimistic for the future?
Daily Gratitude Scripture
Verse 1: Colossians 3:18-21 NIV
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Verse 2: Colossians 3:15 NLT
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Gratitude in Practice: Meditate on these scriptures today. Dive deeper by researching the original translation or re-writing them over and over (this is called “scripture writing”).
Daily Gratitude Prayer
Lord, hear my prayer.
The family I have, I have because of you. Help me see the value and purpose in every relationship. I pray that I make my family feel like friends and my friends feel like family, knowing that in the end, we are all part of your family.
Amen
