Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
—Psalm 107:1
I enjoy the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a reminder of how blessed we are; a reminder that God is the great giver. And Christmas inspires us to be givers too. The season nudges us to express our gratitude and declare our love.
Maybe we eat too much and spend too much. But somehow I think God enjoys the season too. I can’t picture him as a Sky Scrooge, bah-humbugging our thankful, loving, generous impulses. I have a feeling that he smiles as he eavesdrops on our gift purchases; at our joy in loving back those who love us.
I just want to be sure that my feelings of thanks at Thanksgiving include voiced gratitude for spiritual blessings, not just physical ones. And I want to be sure that my giving at Christmas includes gifts to causes that make an eternal difference.
Unexpressed gratitude is ingratitude.