Thanksgiving — a time to take stock of all we have and express our gratitude for all our blessings. Except right now for a lot of people that just seems like another good ol’ cliché. From the troubled economy, loss of jobs, homes, cars and other possessions, to relentless viruses and the never ending war, these are real adversities we are struggling with, so why be thankful and for what?
Life is full of challenges, that’s the plain truth. But we must believe and have faith, and trust that no matter what we may be going through, God will always make a way for us. Whether we think we are blessed or not, God can turn a negative into a positive. We need only to trust Him and His timing. To stay hopeful always and not fear the future. I once read that fearfulness breads negativity, resentment, anger and complacency, but that thankfulness generates positivity and possibility, and that increases probability.
Things in the world seem bleak right now, but I know there are indeed many things for which to be thankful. You know it too. Just the fact you are reading this in front of a computer, says you are likely not one to be lacking food, clothing or shelter. So from the material to the essential — those who fight on our behalf, for they provide the freedom we enjoy; the difficult and challenging times, for they help us grow in strength and character; the people in our lives, for they are the reason God fills our hearts with love to give. And so to be, or not to be…thankful: that is the question I post today.
This Thanksgiving thought comes to you early, as some of us will soon be traveling and/or away from our computers the next few days for this holiday. May this Thanksgiving be an especially blessed one for you, and may God’s grace help us all to see beyond the obvious gloom and answer the question loud, clear and without a doubt: To be! Yes, every day.
How to observe Thanksgiving:
Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean.
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Count on God instead of yourself.
Connie:
This is beautiful and so very timely for me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Love,
Joyce
Yes, I am truly blessed for having a friend like you who keeps me focused on what and Who is most important in my life. Thank you–and blessings always to you and yours.
Boop