In a few days we will all gather around the table with family.  You'll have thanksgiving meal and maybe go around the table and list the things that you're thankful for.  But thankfulness is not just about remembering good things.

Being thankful is a state of mind, and a way of life, that reflects the life of Jesus on Earth.  

Psalms 126 gives us a glimpse into the life of a truly thankful person.  

 A Song of Ascents. When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."  The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.  Restore our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the South.  Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.  He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psa 126:1-6

For a Christian, thankfulness and captivity are linked.  Because we know what true freedom is, we know what it's like to live in bondage to sin, we know what ture thankfulness is as well.  It's good to be thankful for family, freedom, health.  But in the life of a Christian these are all superficial things.  A life of thankfulness starts with knowing what we have been set free from in Christ.

The life of true thankfulness then spreads to those around us. They notice that we live differently, aren't bound in the same way the rest of the world is, and they make notice of what God has done for us.

But thankfulness also makes us realize that others are still bound by sin.  Thankfulness can bring sorrow when we see our family, friends, and community not living in freedom.  Thankfulness leads to work in that we have to spend time in prayer and petition for those who need Christ.

To live a life of thankfulness is more than a momentary prayer.  Thankfulness is not just words, but a life.