“I’m bored.” 

Waaa, waaaa, waaaa! Let’s all just sit down and have a pity party why don’t we because we are bored. We have all been guilty of using this two word phrase. I intend to show you the “error of your phrase”. 

This will be our third Thanksgiving without my mother-in-law to celebrate with us, but she is very much a part of our holiday traditions. First of all, we gather where she lived. The paint and carpet may be different, but her memory lingers still. We cook and taste the dressing just as she taught us. We invite friends and guests to join us at our table and know she would do the same. Yes, she remains a vital part of our family gathering. 

Often her words of wisdom and Godly advice flood my memory. This morning I remembered her response to the phrase, “I’m bored.” I heard her many times speak these words to children and grandchildren: 

“If you are bored, then you are ungrateful. God has given you many blessings, now go play and be thankful for what you have.” 

Wow! I never would have thought boredom could be a synonym for ungratefulness, but it makes such sense to me. I tell you the truth, if I even have the thought of being bored, I mentally correct myself and find something with which to busy myself. Lord, forgive me when I am not thankful. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says,

“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (HCSB)

I’m thankful for my Christian heritage from childhood until now. The people God places in my life are a source of learning and encouragement. I give thanks to the Lord for all of my family. I give thanks to the Lord for salvation through Jesus and His unwavering love towards me (and all of us). I thank God for redemption when I fail. When I call, He is faithful to hear me and that amazes me. I’m thankful I can pass on what I have been taught to future generations. I’m thankful God would choose to use me. 

Give thanks today.

Show God’s love to others this Thanksgiving season and all the year through. 

Eliminate boredom with a heart filled with gratitude.