Grateful Vs. Thankful

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"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 (CSB)

As this Thanksgiving week comes to an end, it got me thinking about the difference between being grateful and being thankful.  According to the Miriam-Webster dictionary, they are defined as follows:

Grateful: 1. a. "appreciative of benefits received; feeling or showing thanks" b. "expressing gratitude" 2. a. "affording pleasure or contentment; pleasing" b. "pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated" 

Thankful: 1. "conscious of benefit received" 2. "expressive of thanks" 3. "well pleased; glad"

After doing a Google search, I found this answer, "The main difference is that thankfulness if often an outward expression of appreciation for a specific benefit, while gratitude is a deeper, more profound and internal state of appreciation for life's experiences." (AI Overview)

With this in mind, I am truly GRATEFUL for the ability to run. When I started this blog in February of 2024, it was unclear to me whether I would be able to run again or not. I had my meniscus surgery in August of 2023, after which there was supposed to be a speedy recovery time. Months later I was still struggling, walking with a limp, unable to jump, and riding bike instead of running. So, the fact that I started out with two to three miles as my goal this morning and ended up completing five does not go without a deep appreciation. 

This body may not look as I would like; these legs may not have the definition I desire, but I am THANKFUL for its ability to carry me. I am also thankful for the breath in these lungs and the opportunity to have another day to offer thanks back to God with the words that I write. "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." Psalms 9:1-2 (NIV) Something you can all be thankful for is the fact that I choose to write rather than sing! 

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