Can you believe September is already over and this weekend is Thanksgiving?! As we head into the first long weekend of this ministry season, we’re reminded to give thanks. So what are you thankful for?

John F Kennedy has been attributed with this quote: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.1 During this time, let’s encourage our students to not just speak words of thanksgiving, but to live lives grateful especially to the One who gives us breath to live.

This weekend, perhaps you’d like to take a few minutes to reflect on the following:

  • What is it about God that you’re grateful about?
  • What was one unexpected occurrence in the last few months that you’re thankful for?
  • Who are the top 5 people you appreciate the most? (Do they know?)

May we not just speak words of gratitude to God and each other, but to live them out as he has shown us.

(PS Maybe share this exercise with your students. You could even send them as memes.)