“So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” -Colossians 2:6-7 (CEB)

To overflow means to have an abundance or more than enough. For example, if a cup has an abundance of water, the water overflows on the table. The cup can’t contain it all! When we think about God’s abundant love, it is natural for us to overflow with thanksgiving. We can’t contain it all! In response to God’s abundant love, Colossians 2:6-7 calls us to live for Christ. Living for Christ offers us a foundation of hope, peace, joy, and love. Living for Christ also allows us to grow in our understanding of God and God’s work in the world.

As we understand the abundance of God’s presence and goodness in the world, we can overflow with thankfulness. Overflowing does not just mean we are thankful, but willing to express our thankfulness.

• What are some things you see or experience every day that help you overflow with thanksgiving? (sunrises, sunsets, birds singing, hugs, relationships with family and friends, music, laughing, dancing, playing)

• What are some ways you can express your thankfulness? (praying to God, singing praises, writing down the things you are thankful for, sharing what you are thankful for with others)

As a family, spend some time looking around and reflecting on your life. Go on a Thankful Scavenger Hunt together around your home and neighborhood, taking pictures of where you see God’s presence and work in the world. You can continue this practice even after the scavenger hunt, pointing out and taking pictures of things you are thankful for as you go through your everyday life. If family members have their own phones, they can send the pictures to each other.