The Bible says "be anxious in nothing but in all things give thanks..." we should always be thankful but in November, the month of Thanksgiving, I like to be extra aware of what I'm being thankful for. For some this is a hard time of year as winter sets in and financial burdens meet with the cold weather, the heat and electric bill rise and the kids need new winter clothes. All combined with that how-are-we-going-to-afford-Christmas-presents-this-year worry. So remembering to be thankful can be a bit of a challenge which is also what makes it so important.
In years past I've followed in the footsteps of many family members and friends and written one thing each day of Facebook of what I was thankful for. This year I want to do something a little different. Instead of writing on my Facebook what I'm thankful for I want to share it with you my friends. Once or twice a week I'll post on here something I've been thankful for each day of the week as well as sharing one of my past Thanksgiving memories. Since today is officially the end of the first week of November it seems like the perfect time to start.
Two years ago I was living in a city away from my family. My brother and sister-in-law lived in the next town over but because it was Thanksgiving they'd gone to visit family. I was working that day so the parents of some friends invited me over to celebrate with them. My friends weren't there this wonderful couple that had "adopted" me didn't mind. After work I drove out to their house and I was able to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with their family. Their generosity and love meant I wasn't alone during the holiday and gave me a lot to be thankful for.
Nov. 1- I'm thankful for the freedom to be able to go to church and worship as I choose. That's a freedom that too often I can take for granted but that many in the world aren't able to claim.
Nov. 2- I'm thankful for friends who open up their home to me, their hospitality and love is a blessing in my life.
Nov. 3- I'm thankful for my Dad and the time we get to spend together, whether it's watching a T.V. show or just talking in the car, his love and advice is a constant support in my life.
Nov. 4- I'm thankful my Mom, the books she finds to share with me, the silly conversations we have, the serious prayers she offers up on my behalf and her love and support that have always and will continue to help guide me as I make decisions.
Nov. 5- I'm thankful for my siblings, three older brothers, one older sister and three sister-in-laws plus the "extra" kids that have come through our home but never left our hearts. From the fun memories of our childhood to the loving advice they give me as we moved into adulthood they are a constant source of amusement, love, and support to me and some of the most special people in my life.
Nov. 6- I'm thankful for laughter, no matter how stressful or tiring a day can be having someone or something that makes you laugh never fails to lift my heart.
Nov. 7- I'm thankful for my grandparents. My Grandma Betty and Granddad lived near us when I was young and though they've since passed away I cherish the memories I have them and the stories I hear. My other grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma, lived close when I was a teenager and the time that we spent getting to know each other, having coffee in the mornings and the visits we have now, the people I saw them interact with and the faith they daily live out and the help, advice, answers and teasing and love they never fail to show are just some of the many reasons I love them and am so glad they're in my life.
All great things to be grateful for!
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