Keeping A Thankful Heart At Thanksgiving
A heartfelt reminder to keep Thanksgiving focused on gratitude and God’s blessings, not the busyness of the day.
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Does that make you feel happy, anxious, tired, or maybe a little harried? As women, we often carry the Martha-like burden of making sure every detail is perfect and every dish turns out just right. I understand that! But it’s good to pause and remember that at the heart of Thanksgiving is… well, thanksgiving itself.
My Unthankful Thanksgiving
For many years, the heavy lifting, including the big bird, fell to me here at StoneGable and now at The Tanglewood House. Because most of my family doesn’t live nearby, I spent days preparing bedrooms, cleaning bathrooms, and planning meals for an entire weekend of guests. I wanted everything to be over-the-top, special, and perfect. But by the time the turkey was carved, I was ready to make this announcement:
Dear Family, I am so thankful for you, and I want to sincerely thank everyone for coming! Enjoy dinner, and please clean up after yourself. I’m exhausted, and my last nerve has been plucked! I’m going to bed.
I was completely spent. Even with help, I carried the full weight of the day. Looking back now, how silly! Because Thanksgiving isn’t about the turkey, the tablescape, or the stuffing (say it isn’t so!). It’s not about football or parades or big balloons. Thanksgiving is a state of the heart.
A Story About A Woman Named Martha
I mentioned Martha earlier, and her story from Luke 10:38–42 fits perfectly here. For a minute, let’s go back to first-century Israel as Jesus and His disciples visit their dear friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to them. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary chose the better thing. And what was that? It was sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to Him.
The Better Thing
The truth in these verses isn’t that Mary was lazy or that Martha was wrong for preparing. It’s that in the middle of all the busyness, the Lord Himself was present. Spending time with Him was, and still is, the better thing.
Yes, there was work to do —there always is —but when Jesus sat down to teach, the right response was to stop and listen. And while Scripture doesn’t tell the rest, I like to think that when He finished speaking, He probably helped too. God is never distant from our work; He’s right there in the thick of our lives.
A Thankful Perspective
Over the years, I’ve learned that, like Martha, I often focused on the preparation and missed what mattered most. What I really needed was to sit, early Thanksgiving morning, at my Savior’s feet and thank Him before the day unfolded.
I thank Him for a sleeping family in our home, a turkey to roast, and even the pile of dirty dishes that means we have more than enough. And I thank Him for His saving grace that has touched my family. I thank Him for a thousand little things, a thousand big things, and countless blessings in between.
All the other things, the football games, the decor, the plans, are good. But small in comparison, acknowledging what God has done is always the better and only right response to Him on Thanksgiving and every day.
My Prayer
This year, I pray that you will have a THANKS-giving day! Practice the presence of God all day and keep a running tab of not what you have to do but what you are thankful for.
This Thanksgiving, I’ll be thanking God for you! You are such a blessing in my life! May the Lord bless you and give you thankful hearts!
Meditation This Week
This is a beautiful verse…
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good. His love endures forever. Ps 126:1
Happy Thanksgiving, friends…
Yvonne, I love your Sunday morning messages. They make my day and my week. You are so right about Thanksgiving. I somehow get lost somewhere between the mashed potatoes and the gravy and forget what the day is all about. Thanks for the sweet reminder and may you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Love & Light, Sharon
Thank you, Sharon! Happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder that Thanksgiving is not about the food, fun and celebration. Although we work hard to make it “perfect” it shouldn’t be work and the funny thing is that our families would enjoy it just as much of there was one less side dish, one less pie but that we were all together.
Happy Thanksgiving Elizabeth
Thank you for this reminder. I love you reminding us that dirty dishes mean we have had plenty to eat.
Thank you Jesus for providing for us.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Beautiful post and timely reminder to make sure my priorities are in order. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
So sweet, Kat. God’s blessing to you and your family too.
Of course, we all know this, but to put it into practice requires intentionality and focusing on gratitude and all He has done for us. Many thanks for this timely reminder. You, my friend, have been a wonderful blessing in my life. May God richly bless you for all you do for others.
Jane, thank you so so much!
Yvonne,
I am thankful for you. You have taught me many different ways to make our home beautiful. Most of all, you teach me that the most important way to make our home beautiful is to fill it with the Holy Spirit.
Thank you.
Thank you Glenda!
Your reply is so true Glenda…we need these reminders.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!
Happiest Thanksgiving!
Thank you for this message. Its just what I needed to hear and I appreciate it so much. I am thankful for you and will be saying a prayer of thanks for you.
Sherri, thank you so much. Saying a prayer of thanks for you too!
You mentioned a planner that you use to make a master plan for the holidays. Would you mind sharing what kind of planner you use? Thank you.
Hi Sally, I have a bullet journal I love! Hope this helps.
I shared your devotional tonight at my church council meeting – thank you so much for your wise words.
On an unrelated note – you often refer to bringing up your decor-filled bins from your basement. Is there any chance you could show us how you store your out-of-season items? Do you have some type of organized storage shelving units? Thanks.
My basement looks like a store! I have shelves set up like isles things fill the shelves according to their categories… candles, trays, Christmas, wreaths, faux flowers etc. Maybe someday I’ll share the basement.
I literally read through your words with tears running down my face. I just finished my morning devo and was trying to be thankful for this season. And it was hard! Until I read your message. Thank you for waking me up! Have a blessed thankful Thanksgiving! I know that I will.
Praise God, Sherry! Happy Thanksgiving.
Saffia, Thank you! I will. Yes, I love the verse that the Lord inhabits our praises.
Yvonne,
Your Sunday morning posts refresh my soul! This post was spot on. We put so much pressure on ourselves to make everything perfect and miss out on the most important thing – spending time with our family! Wishing you a blessed day and holiday season!
You are so right Jeri Ann! Have a blessed Thanksgiving too.
Thank you sooooo much for keeping Jesus alive in your posts !! I Look forward to your message.
Praise God for HIS message of blessings upon blessings. Thank you Tara and Happy Thanksgiving.
Beautiful post and a reminder to keep Him at the center. Thank you! And bless you!
Amen, Nyreid! You are so right. God bless you too Nyreid.
Beautifully written-AMEN!
Happy Thanksgiving
Hi Judy, thank you! Happy Thanksgiving.
Wonderful message! Thank you!
God bless you Lynn and your family this Thanksgiving
I absolutely LOVE your messages….you truly are inspirational in your decorating tips but more importantly loving and thanking our Lord first and foremost! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Hi Maria, Happy thanksgiving.
Thank you. Praying for the wildfire of the Holy Spirit in me and in our home and for my brother and his family many states away and for improving health for loved ones.
Yes, I pray that too, Kim
Beautiful! Thank you
Happy Thanksgiving, Robin
Yvonne, thank you for this reminder. It really hit home. I simply love your Sunday posts!
Thank you for bringing both earthly beauty and the joy of Jesus into our homes!
Yea! Jesus is the greatest beauty of all, right?
Yvonne, I am beyond thankful for you and your dedication to sharing , not only amazing home decor, but your love for God and His word. You have offered such encouragement to us, as homemakers, to be content with what we have, while making our homes as lovely and welcoming in every way. Your ideas throughout the years, have been greatly appreciated and implemented. May you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Aww, thank you Jane, Happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you too.
just what I needed to hear…..thanks
Me too, Harper! Happy Thanksgiving.
Yvonne, thank you for this reminder to keep things easy and just enjoy the day. You are a blessing with all the scripture and inspiration you share with your readers. May you you have a peaceful and really fun thanksgiving weekend.!! You deserve it!!!
Thanks, Diana. We will have a house full and I will love every minute.
God bless you.
God bless you and your family too.
This is such a beautiful post. I would love to share this on my Saturday newsletter this week. Blessings to you.
Yes, please share, Renae.
What a great reminder as we get ready to host our family and friends. I’ve heard Martha’s story often and know that is my tendency, but never in the context of Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing that today!
Happy Thanksgiving, Joyce.
Beautiful message today!!! My name is Mary but I am definitely a “Martha” during the holidays. A good reminder we should enjoy our family & friends & be thankful for all we have instead of trying to make everything perfect!
I agree,Mary!
Great wisdom here. Thank you dear Yvonne. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hi Deb! Have a wonderful and bleesed Thanksgiving.
Haven‘t we all been there? Too much to do, too much cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc!!! I am a classic “Martha” and have always thought it was the right way to be. I need the reminder of this age old story from time to time. Thanks for this message to us! May you and your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Jane
Yvonne thank you for the reminder of what is truly important . Have a blessed Thanksgiving !
You too, Lisa! Happy Thanksgiving.
I went to copy and paste the verse, but I wanted you to know it is Psalm 136:1. I’m sure it is a type, but if someone else is trying to find it that might help. Have a blessed Lord’s day.
Thank you for such great words of wisdom, definitely
ly the right perspective!
Thank you so much for the beautiful reminder that we should be truly thankful on Thanksgiving day.
I love that story. It’s true sometimes we get caught up in small stuff. I am looking forward to having Thanksgiving dinner. I can’t wait to see my sons, their wives and children. I only see them a few times a year so the time is very special. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Dear Yvonne, you are a blessing to us. Thank you for this beautiful Thanksgiving story and your wise words at the end of it. Yes, we complain about the shopping, the preparation of food and all that goes with the Holiday but some people have no one to do that with. We are the fortunate ones to have the dirty dishes and the family to be grateful for. Thank you, again and Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Judi Nolan????????????????
Hi Judi, thank you for your kind comments and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for the beautiful reminder from His Word.
I want to use this everyday, and not be overwhelmed by the tasks of the day. I want to have a thankful, grateful, non-complaining heart!
Me too! I was laying in bed this morning before and praying for a sweet, kind heart. Only by listening to the Holy Spirit can that happen.
Thank you for reminding me of what really counts! sometimes that’s all we need is a reminder
May you and your family have a very blessed and safe Thanksgiving
Yvonne, thank you for this very important reminder. I am GUILTY of feeling overwhelmed preparing for the Thanksgiving meal. However, with 2 elderly, frail parents, this year I will focus on all the BLESSINGS the Lord has given me and our family. We are truly blessed and I am grateful for salvation among many other things. I am also grateful for you and your blog. May God bless you and all your readers in this wonderful season of Thanksgiving.
Thank you Susan! God bless you and your parents and all who come to your home.
I got onto Pinterest after church to see how I could make breathtaking displays with the Christmas decorations strewn all over my house, so my Thanksgiving guests will think I’m truly amazing. Then I found this. Thank you so much for this much-needed truth. And thank you for using your platform to share the real Truth; may God use your efforts to add to His kingdom.
Happy Sunday, Juanita! God bless you for asking God to use my blog for His kingdom. Happy Thanksgiving!
So very Beautiful!!! Thank you for this! I needed it!
Blessings!
This article is so spot on for all of us especially in these times where our families gather for feasting. I haven’t thought of the Mary and Martha story in this way before but you opened my eyes to God’s true meaning. I have read it a thousand times and understood it but the way you worded it hit home today! I am guilty of worrying that all of the little things are done and always finding something else that needs to be done. This time together with our families is better spent listening to one another’s stories, laughing, reminiscing, and loving on each other. There is never enough time to enjoy each other’s company so the mess will be there for later. Enjoy your family and be a Mary this Thanksgiving.
Praise God for bringing His word to light! Happy Thanksgiving,
Thank you for this wonderful reminder!!!
This has inspired me to incorporate some intentional thankfulness this year that hopefully can become new traditions moving forward!! ❤️❤️❤️
God bless you, and Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for your Sunday reading and sharing your faith with me.
Hi Kitty, I know God has given me this platform to share His Word.
I hear you, Yvonne! Me too. The best thing about getting older is learning these valuable lessons. I no longer have the energy to do it all, and I’m so THANKFUL for spending my time with my family instead of being crazy. Here’s a secret: my husband now deep-fries the turkey, which he loves doing. I bake and prep the day before, and I purchase many of the sides pre-made. (Yeah, say it isn’t so!) We also have a smaller guest list which is sad, but minimizes the work. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
You are so right! Happy Thanksgiving, Dianne!
Happy Thanksgiving, Yvonne! I am thankful for you and your words! I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Your family is so blessed, to have you! God bless!
Another special reminder from a wisdom filled, Godly woman! So thankful for you, Yvonne, and your dedication to sharing from your heart and inspiring me in ways you’ll never know! Wishing You A Blessed Thanksgiving!
Cathy, how sweet! Thank you for your very kind comments!
Here in Canada our Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago…but as I prepare for my book club ladies your message has been JUST what I needed to hear. I’m thankful for having friends, a warm home in the minus 19 Celsius snow day, and food enough to share…and for your words, Yvonne!❤️????????☃️
Thank you Charlene! My brother-in-law is from Canada so we have celebrated Thanksgiving for him at our home. He is a treasure and I say Canada’s best export! I’m so glad God’s precious worlds have helped you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Yvonne!! You have again given me a blessing for the day, week & month ahead. I am watching my husband on his last days here on earth. He has been my blessing for 49 years. I pray each day for the Lord’s blessing and take away the struggle he is having. I know he will pick the right time. I am sure this Thanksgiving will not be like those in the past but, I will remember all the ones I had with my husband, my parents who are both gone and family members. Over the last several years I have learned it is not the big celebrations but, the small ones we shared with family. Wishing you & your family a blessed Thanksgiving this year.
I am so blessed by your Sunday scripture messages!
Thank you.
Happy and blessed Thanksgiving, Deb.
Thank you for the reminder to be thankful on Thanksgiving and everyday. Help us to moderate our Martha tendencies. Blessing to you this Thanksgiving season.
God bless you, Jane!
Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing this beautiful reminder from scripture!!!
Thank you, too, for all the work you put into your lovely blog!
May God-our All wise God richly bless you for sharing your love for Him!
Happy and blessed Thanksgving!
You really hit the nail on the head!! So thankful for family, as well as, the dirty dishes!! Thank you for such a wonderful post. Have a happy, blessed Thanksgiving!!
God bless you, Lynn! Happy, blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you Yvonne, I’ve so enjoyed your Sunday messages. So many times they bring tears to my eyes. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! My husband and I are blessed to have both my sons and 3 grand children , as well as the in-laws of one son’s here at my home for Thanksgiving dinner. Have a blessed Holiday.
You are blessed! Have a beautiful, thankful day.