Recently in our space at work someone put up a huge magnetic whiteboard and wrote at the top “What are you thankful for?” I loved seeing this and was eager to write on it and see it fill up with expressions of gratitude. This specific work area accommodates maybe 75 people, and plenty more workers pass this whiteboard throughout the day so this was going to be fun and uplifting!
The immediate writing included only three things: “4:15 PM” (assuming this was what time the person left work… what a depressing thing to be thankful for), “friends” (ding ding! focus on others, much better than quitting time; hoping the same person who wrote 4:15 PM wrote this), and “my cat” (it has come to my attention that somehow cats can be considered valuable creatures to some sects of the human race; good for those of you who are better than me).
A few more days passed and there were no additions. There must have been at least 100 people who passed this board with at least 30 seconds to write something they’re thankful for, and this really started to bother me. I was picturing God’s response; perhaps inappropriate but I wondered if he might sarcastically say “you’re welcome!!!!”
After this experience I spent some time alone putting into writing some of the many things I’m thankful for. The deeper I engaged, the more seemingly small but yet extraordinarily precious thoughts came to mind; we all so much to be thankful for. Going through this left me energized, humbled, and joyful. God is so good.
Psalm 143:5 is one way to express our gratitude toward God; by meditating on all he has done. What a great way to start the day!
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.