“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman and philosopher
With Thanksgiving around the corner and Advent in a couple of weeks, most of us are feeling a sense of thankfulness intertwine with our days. Not all the time though. This season brings its own challenges, from the stress of bringing family together to the loneliness of having no family to be together with.
But when we step back from our circumstances and look at our lives, we can see the many blessings that God has given us. Even amidst the things we long for.
We may not have close family, but we have dear friends.
We may have lost our job, but we still have our health and our home.
We may have lost a loved one, but we know that God holds them close now.
There is always something to be thankful for in our lives. We just need to keep our eyes open and let these instances of gratitude fill our hearts.
Thankfulness: the parent of all other virtues
The thankfulness that we feel does not only influence the thing that we are thankful for. Our gratitude does not end there, but rather goes on to create other feelings inside of us.
Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These fruits of the spirit are all virtues that are brought forth first by our thankfulness.
We love because we thank God for His love for us. We are kind because we are thankful for the kindness and mercy we receive. We show self-control and prudence because we are thankful for what we have, not always striving for more. God never leaves us wanting.
This season, don’t think of thankfulness as something you feel just this time of year. Don’t think of it only as a one-dimensional feeling. Instead, think of thankfulness as the underlying support that lifts up these other virtues and fruits of the Spirit in your heart and soul.
Thankfulness is not one thing. It is the parent of many virtues. May they flourish in your life this season and for years to come.
Have a blessed Monday!
Looking for more encouragement and inspiration today? Try these posts:
10 Ways to Show Gratitude this Thanksgiving
5 Simple Ways to Keep the Thanks in Thanksgiving
Inspirational Monday: Finding Something to be Thankful For
10 Family Traditions to Include in Your Thanksgiving Celebration
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