Happy Thanksgiving is almost here in the USA! For all of my Canadian friends I know that you celebrated last month. Personally, I am looking so forward to spending Thanksgiving Day with almost all of my family including my mom and her husband; my oldest son and his wife and two children; my youngest daughter and her husband, along with her mother-in-law and their six-month old baby; my youngest son and his girlfriend. We will miss our oldest daughter and her husband but we know that they will celebrate and give thanks elsewhere.
Thanksgiving is a time where we stop and give thanks for all that is good and right in our lives. Even if you've had a rough year or have tragically lost something or even worse someone, each and everyone of us has something to be thankful for.
If you are having a tough time giving thanks this year I want you to stop what you're doing right now. Go and get several notebook style, lined pieces of paper and title the first page, "My Gratitude List." Next, take a good look around you. Start with where you are sitting and notice anything that you are thankful for, maybe it's as simple as your favorite chair or unique family heirloom on one of your shelves. Write those items down. Go outside and notice your surroundings: the birds, the trees, the flowers, the sun or the snow. Do you have a pet who loves you unconditionally? Go to your closet and list your favorite items. Do the same in your drawers. Give each thing a separate line on your page. Most importantly make a line each for every member of your family and each close friend or co-worker whom you give thanks for. As you make your list you can also say a silent prayer for each person who provides you with love and friendship.
Meditate on Psalm 100, verse 4
"Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Here's a breakdown of that verse that may help you practice gratitude. You can slowly say it over and over as it fills your heart and your mind with peace and comfort.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving.
Enter his gates.
Enter.
Remember: Today is a gift and no one knows what tomorrow may bring. Give thanks today!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
A wonderful post Donna and to you and all our American friends, Happy Thanksgiving from here in Canada. As you posted, each day is a gift to be thankful for. I like to remember that, in that we call each new day "the Present". ..J-M
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