Last week I asked a few people to explore their thankfulness by answering a few questions.  Perhaps the same questions might spur a discussion around your table, so here they are, followed by some thoughtful responses to my poll:

What do you wish you had been more thankful for in the past?

What do you wish others were more thankful for now?

What has happened recently that has made you more thankful for some aspect of God’s character?

An expectant couple, told by doctor they lost the baby, describing the last test:  “The ultrasound revealed a perfectly healthy baby!  We were and still are overjoyed!  There were a lot of people praying for us.  We sincerely believe it was God’s love that caused the miracle to take place.”

A person with a large, loving family: “There are special people that are in heaven now that I wish I had one more day with.  I’d spend it telling them how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for them, their love, their influence on my life.”

A great-grandmother:  “My days of climbing ladders, changing lightbulbs, sitting cross legged on the floor, taking long walks, spending hours shopping are over.  I wish I’d thanked God more often for painless days and nights, the abilities to do many things that I took for granted physically.”

A career educator:  “I wish the children I work with had a better appreciation for all they have: every new gadget, the latest clothes, nice vacations.  But since that is all they have ever known, they have little appreciation for it.  There is such a spirit of entitlement.”

A voter:  “I wish others were more thankful for leaders who have real, unapologetic honesty.  I’m talking about people speaking the truth, standing up for what they believe.”

A businessman:  “Due to events in my family, as well as the tragedies by ISIS recently, I know that God is sovereign over the affairs of humans and that he can work all things together for good, as in the life of Joseph (in Genesis).”

Someone raised with a strident view of God: “I am thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness.  I have always felt so unworthy and unloved that it is so amazing to me now that I really GET it.  God loves me no matter what!”

A parent:  “My child’s daily tantrums and disobedience at times is overwhelming but has made me realize how much grace and patience our Heavenly Father has with us continuously.”

As you ponder life’s blessings, you have One to thank.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”  “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for his mercy endures forever” (Jas. 1:17, Ps. 118:29).

Happy Thanksgiving!