Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingSample

Rodgers' Thankful Moment

In the second quarter of the 2020 NFC Divisional playoff game between the Packers and the Seahawks, Aaron Rodgers intentionally paused to acknowledge where he was and what he was experiencing. 

Following the game he explained, “I stopped myself…It was just a special moment…Just seeing the whole stadium waving those white towels and I think I was moved in that moment, just grateful for the opportunity and loving what I do, and there’s nothing like having the ball in your hands in those clutch situations and knowing you’ve got 78,981 [fans] or whatever it was today – most of them – cheering you on.”

Rodgers took time to recognize the people who surrounded him and the amazing opportunity he’d been given to do what he truly loves. 

Just as a quarterback playing with an attitude of gratitude changes his perspective during a game, the same is true when we pause, reflect, and acknowledge our countless blessings and the people around us. Our view of life and even our challenges are positively impacted.

We must set aside time for moments of appreciation and acknowledge all that is good. As followers of Jesus, our gratefulness should especially be overflowing and our character should reflect a heart of thankfulness because of His immense grace and the salvation we have because of Him.

Colossians 2:7 encourages us to “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 implores us to “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 4:2 challenges us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

By pausing, praying, and praising God for everything He’s already done, we can live a consistently thankful life filled with contentment, satisfaction, and peace. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your grace and love. I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful people You’ve put in my life. Help me pause more often to recognize the countless blessings You’ve given me, as well as everything You’ve allowed me to experience. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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