Look Around

In case you didn't know, this week is Thanksgiving holiday in the States. I suppose it's sadly predictable then that I would mull over this season.

One question this topic brings to mind is—where am I on the gratitude scale? Where are you?

I went through a particularly hard time the end of last year and beginning of 2010. A friend also felt weighed down in this wonderful-world-of-woe-is-me. We recognized our need to focus on our blessings instead of our problems, so we began to e-mail each other each weekday sharing praises. Sometimes we wrote paragraphs; sometimes only a couple of words. Somehow those praise began to lift us out of the slough of despondency, freeing us to look around at all the wonders from God.

Cultivating a thankful heart takes work, but there is little joy that rivals it. 

With gratitude comes clear vision to see, truly see, a sunrise or sunset and whisper, "Thank You, Father!" With it comes the thrill of longing for someone you love who is close enough to touch or a phone call away, realizing that it is a blessing today and not a guarantee for tomorrow. 

Your sense of touch, of smell is heightened to the peak of appreciation. Distant laughter brings a smile to your face. You notice the small answers to prayer that shows just how intimately God's cares for you.

Thanksgiving isn't a time of year. Yet, if you celebrate it as special holiday, may it be the start of a new attitude of gratitude. Wherever we are on the scale, let's concentrate on becoming more thankful people.

And true gratitude is sharing. So, what are you thankful for? 

(If you are now in the mood, you can go to Cyber Hymnal and sing along to "Count Your Blessings.")