Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“What do you want for your birthday?” the man’s wife asked.

Pausing to think, he then replied, “I don’t know. May I get back to you in a few days?”

What did he need? What did he want? The family could not afford items he found an actual need for, and why waste money on trivial things that were not needed and would only collect dust?

Days passed. While the man was not consumed with finding an answer to his wife’s question, God was eager not to let it pass without an answer. As God does when He can find ears that are even slightly open, He spoke through His still, small voice:

“Thanksgiving. Ask your wife to pray on your behalf for a spirit of thanksgiving. You come to Me with requests for this blessing. Ask her to join you in your prayer for gratitude in all things.”

Yes! the man thought. He then set about also thinking of something within their budget that he could indeed use and determined that whatever she might give, he would be thankful and put it to good use. The gift would be, after all, a gift of her heart and spawned from her thinking creatively about how to express her love and appreciation for him.

Thank you, Lord, he prayed, realizing God had already begun to answer his prayers. God then inspired him with a small gift he could use and appreciate, and he shared his requests with his wife.

When his birthday arrived, the man was absolutely delighted by his wife’s gift . . . and her unceasing prayers. She had given them both. And God had given him . . . her.

May this parable and the following stories raise your heart in thanksgiving to our merciful and generous Heavenly Father, who gave us the greatest gift heaven could offer, His Son, Jesus Christ.

God’s blessings to you and all whom you love.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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