Choosing To Be Thankful

As the vast majestic colors of Thanksgiving surround us, the purpose of this holiday is to remind us to pause, reflect and be “thankful”. It’s fair to say that maybe right now that’s a challenge. I get it, some days I’m there. Well, if I’m being honest, sometimes its daily!

No one can deny the challenges over the last couple years. It continues to be unknown territory for all of us. Nothing I ever thought I would experience in my lifetime. We have all been pushed to our limits. We want our version of normal to return. So much change, so much loss. We are tired.

When those days come, I must dig deep. I must remind myself that being grateful is a choice. It’s intentional, it’s action and it’s up to me. However, some days it’s not easy.

IT’S HARD.

That’s when we must intentionally push forward with gratitude. Otherwise, we will be swallowed up in fear, depression and self-pity. This approach in attitude must be practiced before you start your day, and for that matter, throughout the day! You must be on the offense not defense or you allow the enemy to start your day reminding you of everything that is wrong in your life.

With that in mind, I choose to be grateful.

My intent is to focus on the good not all the negativity that surrounds our world today. I have seen some tough times, but I am wise enough to know that storms come, and they go. You must live with a seasonal mind set.

How I release my energy each day is my responsibility. Only I can decide how to react to what life throws at me. Therefore, I choose to reflect on why I am thankful. For family, friends, health, work and the air we breathe.

I can walk, run, taste, see and smell. I have a home, clothing, and food. I can read and write. I can drive. I am grateful. Do you pray for those who are not as fortunate? We should. We must always remember what we take for granted, another person is praying for that miracle.

I am grateful that I get to experience love with joy as well as the hardships with grace. I am grateful for the good and the challenging times. Each season serves a purpose. I can personally say that during my hardest times, that’s when God was the closest and I grew the most.

I cannot express enough gratitude for God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness. Only His love comes with NO conditions. God has taught me how to forgive others, and most importantly myself. He has set me free from fear, pain and guilt.

I am thankful for today and for eternity. Most importantly, for Jesus Christ who “willingly” took upon the sin of the world so all of this would be available to me and to you.

God’s Truth: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever” Psalm 107:1

This pandemic has taught me so many things but the most prominent is how much I took for granted. Not being able to personally see or hug our loved ones felt so cruel. Thankfully God took our Mom home just before Covid. I’m not sure I would have managed well not being able to see her. I miss her every day, but I am grateful we did not have to suffer such a difficult time. I wept for those that did and prayed for them often.

So many stories to be heard. From hardships to blessings. Fear and courage taken to the highest level. None of us were prepared for something like this and we must learn how to navigate with grace, humility, patience and courage.

GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE.

Gratitude is a decision you make, not an emotion you feel. Life will bring us celebrations and hardships. Peace comes when we find the ability to allow both. This is where acceptance, growth and healing happen.

God will give you the supernatural strength to overcome every obstacle you face, and you will live that life of overcoming victory He has in store for you.

The enemy cannot keep you down and defeated if you choose happiness and gratitude despite your circumstances.

EACH DAY IS A GIFT FROM GOD.

We cannot control the past or the future, so be present. Tomorrow is not promised so enjoy the who, what, where and when. There is a purpose for every moment you breathe. Open your heart and be willing to learn from each experience. Serve others, always. Surrender your plans to God’s plan and allow Him to direct your steps.

Let yesterday be done.

Let tomorrow be as it should.

Let each day start with a grateful heart.

God has and will continue to meet every need; therefore, I lack nothing. I am grateful for each day, whether it be filled with joy or pain because I know that I am never alone in any moment I face. Through Him I am restored and refreshed.

When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens and worried about tomorrow, we can praise God for who He is and His promise to never leave us or forsake us. We have been blessed with the free gift of salvation and eternal life!

God’s Truth: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Continue to look up then look around to seek where you can serve. Be grateful that you have something to offer even if it’s just a smile. You have no idea of the impact.

I pray each day you will be intentional and focus on a thankful heart, even if it’s just for today. Dig deep on the hardest days. Never forget, God is always greater than your circumstances.

I am grateful for YOU and wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

There is a Purpose. There is a Promise. There is Hope.