20 November | Teens
«In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.» 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Have you ever heard that phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side”? Sometimes it is easy to think that others have better things than we do. But did you know that the Bible teaches us something important that has to do with it? In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to give thanks for all that we have. That is right, absolutely everything!
Do you know why it is so good to be grateful? Scientists have found that when we say “thank you,” our brain releases substances that make us feel happy and satisfied. Amazing, right? It is as if God has programmed our brains to reward us every time we are grateful!
Saying thank you is not just saying “thank you” for big things, like big birthday or party gifts. It is also recognizing the little things of everyday life, such as a smile, an open door, or even the delicious lunch that is on the table. When we start to see how much good we have around us, we realize that our “grass” is a lot greener than we thought!
Take Action
Today, the challenge is to say “thank you” as much as you can. Did someone hold the door for you? Thank you! Were you offered a snack? Thank you! Even if someone helps you with something small, remember to say thank you. It will be fun to see how many “thank yous” you will be able to say and how good it will make you and the people around you feel. Remember, giving thanks is a gift to you and to whoever you thank!