It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon – sunshine, partial blue skies, and a nice 50 degree temperature. I’m simply enjoying a day at home with little to do except relax and rest before a new week begins. And oh what a week it will be – Thanksgiving is Thursday – and that means a long weekend of family, friends, food, and fellowship! I am so looking forward to the short work week and extra time spent with loved ones and the kick-off to what I believe will be another wonderful holiday season. I love this time of year!
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m pondering this topic of “gratitude.” I believe in having an “attitude of gratitude” and living life from a grateful heart every day. Even though life tosses us around and we have our ups and downs, there is always something to be grateful for, whether small or big. Some days I find I’m grateful just to be alive another day; other days I’m grateful for something in particular like when someone does something nice for me or the opportunity to take a nice vacation, or even more generally, for my faith, marriage, family, friends, home, etc. Other times I’m grateful for a beautiful sunrise that reminds me of God’s goodness, or a strong long run that invigorates me after a hard day, or a hot foamy cup of coffee and time to sit quietly with my thoughts. My point: There is always something in our days, weeks, months to be grateful for!
Having gratitude and giving thanks is a wonderful practice to incorporate into everyday living. Every morning I spend some time in devotion and prayer, and as I take the opportunity to lift up praise and thanks to God for His blessings, I find I become more happy, at peace, content, and joyful. Also, when you say “Thank You” or write a “Thank You” note to someone, the person on the receiving end appreciates it and let’s face it – when we can make someone else smile, that makes us feel good too! Gratitude has so many benefits and really is a simple gift that keeps giving, giving, giving!
This Thanksgiving holiday, I’m committing myself to expressing more praise and thanks. I want to be more present and aware of those things in my life and the world around me that I can be grateful for. Life is good and there are blessings to be found everyday, in the busy and mundane, in the light and in the dark, and in the mountains and in the valleys.
Be grateful and see what wonders unfold. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Have a blessed week!
P.S. Beginning Monday, the #SheReadsTruth community will begin a new bible study plan completely focused on “Thanksgiving.” Check it out tomorrow morning: http://shereadstruth.com/.