There's always somethin'.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. – Melody Beattie


I am not a fan of clichés—at all. But as we approach Thanksgiving Day in the States, I find my life, at times, becoming a living cliché. Even in the midst of so much “stuff,” my heart is (mostly) at peace.

I seem to have developed . . . an attitude of gratitude.

What better time of year to remember that joy is always, always an inside job? We can allow the world to make us miserable by convincing us we aren’t good enough, we don’t earn enough, etc., or we can pause, look around and listen to the still small voice within: the voice that whispers, You are mine. You are beautiful-- and you are enough, just the way you are. It’s true of me, and it’s true of you, as well.

Pause right now. Nothing you are doing is so important that it won’t wait. Take a deep breath, exhale s-l-o-w-l-y and relax. Know, in the very depth of your soul, just how special and beloved you are.

And that is definitely something worth giving thanks for.

Monday Gratitude begins close to home. Give thanks to God for those in your life who are like family, whether blood relatives or simply dear friends. Choose at least one, and tell them how you feel. 1 Chronicles 16:1-36

Tuesday Consider sending a note of appreciation and thanks to someone you seldom see or speak with. Give thanks. Exodus 14:13-14

Wednesday As you prepare for Thanksgiving, reach out to someone who might not have anyone with whom to share a meal. Consider inviting someone to join you, or make plans to assist at a dinner for those in need. Matthew 25:31-40

Thursday If you choose to shop today, make an extra effort to be kind and generous with those whom you encounter. Thank the public servants who cannot take a holiday. Ezra 3:10-13

Friday If you choose to participate in Black Friday shopping, consider picking up an item for a local mission. Give thanks for God’s generosity in your life. Psalm 119:89-96

Saturday Today is Small Business Saturday. If you choose to shop today, consider choosing a local merchant. Your business is a big “thank you.” Proverbs 21:3

Sunday Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Spend some time in quiet stillness and reflect on the waiting that lies ahead. Matthew 2:1-18

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. –Henry Ward Beecher



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