Thankful for What You Have

Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you are putting your toys away or maybe you're starting to work on your Christmas list. I'm not sure. Maybe it's too early for that, but maybe not. Either way, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Yesterday we talked about being thankful for who we have, the people God placed in our lives. Today we're talking about something just as important, being thankful for what we have. Now, I'm not talking about stuff like toys and phones and games. I'm talking about everything that makes our life special. Your home, the food on your table, your bed, your clothes, your school and even the air you breathe. All of it is a gift from God. It says in James chapter one, verse 17, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights who does not change, like shifting shadows. James was one of Jesus's half brothers, and he wrote this letter to remind people not to take their blessings for granted. He wanted everyone to remember that every good thing comes from God, the big things, the small things and everything in between. Sometimes we look around and notice what we don't have, what someone else got for their birthday, what their family does on vacation, or the clothes that they have. But James wanted us to focus on what we do have, the gifts that God already placed in our lives. Wow. How thankful would we be when we were able to say, God, thank you for what you've placed in our lives. See, if Jesus were sitting behind you in the car or at the table with you, he'd probably say, you don't need to have everything to be thankful. You already have more than enough, and every good thing you have came from my father. He'd remind you that thankfulness isn't about how much you have. It's about recognizing where it came from and trusting that God gives you what you need exactly when you need it. See, sometimes we forget to say thank you for the things that feel normal, right? A warm meal, a cozy blanket, a backpack for school, clean water, and even the people who take care of us every day. The truth is not everyone in the world has those things. That's why it's so important to stop and tell God thank you. It reminds your heart that everything you have is a blessing, not something that you just take for granted or something you just expect. So how can you live this out today? First, notice the small things. Look around and just name five things you're thankful for right now. Second, say thank you to God. Pray a short prayer like this. God, thank you for everything you've given me, big and small. And lastly, share what you have. When you see someone who needs something you have extra of, share it. Gratitude grows when we give. Thankfulness isn't about having everything. It's about realizing how much you already have. And every gift, every moment, every good thing in your life points back to God's love and generosity. So remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you like today's episode, share the podcast with a friend at church. Let them know about carpooling with Jesus as we kick off a brand new week that I know they're gonna love. Before you go, answer this question together. What's something you use or enjoy every day that you could thank God for now? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.