Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, recounting our blessings, and enjoying the bounty of our land. But have you noticed that often we project an attitude of dissatisfaction, discontentedness, and criticism rather than a spirit of thankfulness? The definition of gratitude is “thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received.” If we consider the benefits of salvation, and the advantages of living in God’s favor, it’s hard to imagine Christians failing to live a life of “thankful appreciation.”

Often, we try to consign thankfulness to one worship service, banquet, family gathering, or date on the calendar. But gratitude isn’t an observance reserved just for one Thursday in November. Although thankfulness should be effortless, a constant overflow of our hearts, for many of us, our gratitude level could use some cultivation.

Any farmer knows in order to produce a bountiful harvest, preparation and cultivation are necessary. Suppose a farmer planted his crops without first plowing the soil. Then, if he failed to irrigate, or spray for pests, what type of yield might he expect? Certainly, without careful attention and proper nurture, the crop would prove less than bountiful

Likewise, some types of spiritual harvest are more difficult to produce in our lives: humility, forgiveness, generosity, and gratitude. These qualities require practice and patience. Instead, these spiritual “fruits” often rot on the vine for lack of attention and nourishment.

Consider the following ways to fertilize gratitude:

Praise – We live in a society where people often demand their rights and sue if they feel victimized. This attitude focuses more on self than on God. Praise helps shift our focus off ourselves and onto God. Start each morning by reading one of the Psalms. Think about God’s attributes and His great love for us. (Psalm 18:46)

Joy – Do you ever find yourself just going through the motions of daily existence without experiencing joy? God’s desire is for us to live victorious lives here on earth. Take a moment to recognize and rejoice in God’s great gift of salvation, freely given. (Isaiah 25:9)

Freedom – We are so blessed, yet we often feel sorry for ourselves regarding some aspect of our lives that isn’t going exactly as we’d like. We enjoy the freedoms of living in the America, but also experience liberty from the penalty of sin because of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. (John 8:36)

Enumeration – In the words of an old hymn, we should count our blessings, naming them individually. Once we make a list of blessings, we’ll be surprised by all that God has done, and is doing, in our lives. While it’s difficult to do, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, so a few things on your list may be things that outwardly don’t seem to qualify. But trust God to honor your efforts and shower you with even more blessings as you give Him thanks. Fall asleep each night and wake up each morning speaking words of gratitude to our heavenly Father.

Anticipation – Each year, farmers live in anticipation of a “bumper” crop. They watch the sky for signs of rain, pray for just the right temperatures, and hope the current year’s yield will be the best ever. We’re promised, and have the hope of, eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us live a life of gratitude in anticipation of our heavenly home. (Hebrews 6:19-20)