I recently came across a post on social media that said:
"2020 is not the year to get everything you want, it's the year to be grateful for everything you already have."
That is as true as it gets. In stressful times, whether it be simple holiday stress, medical condition (including the pandemic), a job loss, furlough, less wages, moving, caring for your family, etc., it can be difficult to have a grateful attitude. But it’s times like these that it’s so important to be thankful for all that is going right in our lives.
When you experience great difficulty or sorrow, it certainly shines a light on what your priorities should be, doesn’t it? The small things you were once worried about are no longer of any importance. No matter your situation, it can always be worse. Be thankful.
Thanksgiving is usually a time that families come together to share in their blessings and reconnect. This year is very different for many folks who cannot be together but are finding a way to make it work. Zoom calls will be the new holiday tradition this year, and that’s okay. Be thankful.
As I sit here and type this blog post, the doorbell rang. I stopped to answer it and the neighbor down the street stopped by to let us know that her father was in the hospital with COVID-19 and pneumonia. His diagnosis did not look good. We told her we would keep her dad and the entire family in our prayers. She just lost her mom several months ago and now her father’s health is failing. It is difficult times for many.
As many of you know, my dad suffered from a health issue earlier this fall and he’s made a miraculous recovery. I am grateful. We have another small procedure to get through early next month, and then he should be well on his way to a full recovery. I pray it goes well. I am thankful for how far he’s come.
I am grateful. I am thankful. I am blessed. This holiday allows us to put things in perspective because it’s not just Thanksgiving as usual. It’s been a rough year for many.
However, be thankful even in times of turmoil. God is good and He will see us through the darkest valley. You can rest knowing that there are brighter days ahead.
I wish you and your families a very Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving!
I thought I’d share this daily devotional from my reading today ~
Jesus Calling: November 25
Thank Me frequently as you journey through today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught. If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every situation. These thankful prayers provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers. Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with Me.
When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace.
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