November

And so, the month of thanksgiving begins.  Already the Christmas decorations are up in the stores, the shopping for gifts has begun, and some stores and radio stations are actually playing CHRISTMAS MUSIC!  The season of thanks will pass quickly.  Quietly.  Overlooked by most....if it weren’t for the turkey and the pumpkin pie.

Let’s change that.  Let’s take time to intentionally give thanks and be aware of what God has done for us.  Take a few moments and make a list.  On a clean sheet of paper or the back of a tattered envelope.  With a pen or pencil.  A crayon or marker.  Whatever you can find to use.  Something that takes physical effort on your part.  Let’s put some thought into it.  Let’s make more than a mental notation or a passing comment.  I think that once you start writing you won’t be able to stop quickly.  I understand that it might be hard to start.  Maybe the circumstances of your life right now lead you not to be so thankful.  Maybe you’re hurting and can’t breathe because of the situation you have been hurled into.  I get that.  I've been there.  And for that very reason I encourage you to make the effort to find at least one thing to be thankful for.  Thankfulness is a balm.  It will bring comfort and soothe your soul.
 

So light a fall scented candle.  Enjoy some apple crisp... and the way your house smells while it is baking.  Rake some leaves...and jump in!  Go for a hike.  Go for a long drive through the country and stop at the pumpkin patch.  Take time to enjoy life.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Much more than our material possessions, which are often what we list in exercises like this.  Allow yourself the luxury of experiencing true thankfulness by allowing yourself time.  Time to ponder your life and the many blessings you have all around you. 

I would love for you to share your list with us and encourage someone today.  I'll share mine in a few days.