As we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, I want us to look back at last season’s playoffs and what Aaron Rodgers shared upon his return from not making the playoffs two years in a row.

During the game at historic Lambeau Field (in the NFC Divisional round) where the Packers beat the Seahawks 28-23 in front of a crowd of die-hard fans, Rodgers intentionally paused in the second quarter to acknowledge where he was and what he was experiencing.

Following the game, he expressed his feelings in that incredible atmosphere:

“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.”

The key to Rodgers having that experience was taking the time to recognize the people who surrounded him and the amazing opportunity he’d been given to do what he truly loves.

Just like a quarterback playing with an attitude of gratitude changes his perspective during a game, the same is true in our own lives. When we take the time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the countless blessings we have and the people all around us, our view of life and even the challenges we face drastically change.

We have to choose to have our own special moments of appreciation by looking around and recognizing all the good that is in our lives. 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 (NLT) 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 (NLT) 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 (AMP) challenges us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

We can easily take things for granted or quickly move on to the next prayer request or desire the next blessing, but we must pause and praise God for everything He’s already done. When we live a consistently thankful life, it’s amazing how we become content, satisfied, and filled with peace.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and for Your grace and love. I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful people You have put in my life. I pray that I would 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.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

  1. When you pause and reflect, what are you most thankful for?

  2. What changes do you need to make to live a more thankful life?