Why We Give Thanks - Lesson from Giant Redwood Trees

William Barclay: “The distinguishing mark of the true Church is an abounding and overflowing gratitude. Thanksgiving is the constant and characteristic note of the Christian life.” 
J. B. Lightfoot: “Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Lesson From Redwood Trees: Rooted and Built up in Him
Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 

Redwoods do not survive alone. They form “tribes” or communities. Sometimes they grow so close to each other they merge at the base into one tree. The first thing they provide each other is strength and support: intertwining roots.  Not deep, but wide, living in an embrace of others.