In November, we look forward to Thanksgiving, a holiday the Pilgrims began to celebrate God's provision for them after enduring a long intercontinental voyage and their first winter season in an unfamiliar land. It may seem incredible that they could feel thankful. Only half who had journeyed on the Mayflower from Plymouth, England, survived the diseases and harsh conditions after arriving in New England. Yet they chose to appreciate God's graciousness, acknowledging the successful corn harvest, friendship with the native tribe, and the assistance of Squanto, who spoke English and provided invaluable advice and guidance to survive their new environment.

Our human nature easily zeroes in on the negatives rather than the positives. The Old Testament tells how the children of Israel were delivered mightily from Pharaoh's tyranny in Egypt. Not long after escaping bondage, however, the complaining began. They were tired of eating manna and craved meat. Water was lacking. Grumble, grumble, grumble. Their dissents don't seem unreasonable—would you want to eat the same food every day? What's wrong with wanting water? The people actually said they'd prefer to go back to Egypt, i.e., return to slavery! What happened to their excitement of being set free from enslavement? What about the exuberance of crossing the Red Sea after Pharoah’s armies failed to capture them? To God, their protesting while accusing and attacking Moses was displeasing. Moses could no longer take it. Worn down and discouraged from all the whining, he even told God to slay him (Numbers 11).

It’s easy to gripe about all kinds of things but remembering to give thanks is a discipline like exercising muscles. It can also be likened to watering a garden. Something I found very beneficial on a recent visit to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Esther, was participating with them in their practice of recalling three things to be grateful for at the close of each day. Acknowledging God’s kindness in small and big matters helped us to appreciate His faithfulness and focus on Him. To “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18) is a life skill that honors God, builds up His body by encouraging others, and strengthens our steadfastness to press toward the goal in our faith journey. Flex your gratitude muscles and water the seeds of thanksgiving, and they will grow stronger.