Attitude, Gratitude and Overall Thanksgiving

Although we will celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday November 22, 2012 may we always be reminded of giving thanks every day of the year. Many people expressed their beliefs about not celebrating Thanksgiving Day, because this particular day is not in the Holy Bible. If they were to read their Bibles however, and ask God for revelation and understanding, then they would know that “thanksgiving” is clearly defined in The Word.

Unfortunately, the comprehension of what thanksgiving means has been overshadowed by much commercialism. We have our meals with our families, but by the time we finish with our deserts, then we are off to other activities where those heartfelt moments of thanksgiving are lost before the day is done!

I was listening to a Thanksgiving message this morning, “Overflowing with Gratitude” by Dr. Charles Stanley, that put into perspective the reason why we should be thankful and give thanks every single day we breathe! Being thankful is being grateful. He outlined the characteristics and evidence of a grateful heart, which made me do a self-examination of my gratitude. I would like to share those points with you.

1. Positive attitude
2. Aware of God’s presence
3. Have a humble spirit
4. Have a sense of peacefulness even in the midst of a storm
5. Be thoughtful of others
6. Have a generous spirit
7. Be unselfish
8. Be expressive about your gratitude and feel free to share your story
9. Be friendly
10. You will be contagious. Your heart will connect to the heart of others.
11. Be motivated to give, serve and share.
12. Have a servant’s spirit
13. Have a high level of faith
14. Have the spirit of fruitfulness
15. Be joyful

Last year, I made a commitment to keep a Gratitude Journal for an entire year and posted it: "What Keeps You Grounded." This made me stop and avoid sweating the small stuff. When I did this, I found the beauty of the things that were right, instead of harping on the things that were wrong. When I found things that were wrong, I tried to find a solution to making it right, instead of making a big deal about how wrong and crazy it was. If it was not in my power to make it right, then I had to walk away and not allow it to take away my joy and gratitude.

So yep, I will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day this year as I always do, because I do it naturally every day of the year anyway. There was a song we used to sing in church when I was growing up that was called “Count Your Blessings, See What God Has Done!” There were far too many for me to name and far too many for me to count one by one. I will never be able to keep up with them, because the blessings are happening even when I am not aware that they are. The blessings are infinite and until it’s time for me to depart this life as I know it here on earth, I will continue to keep an attitude of gratitude and truly know from where my help comes from. This keeps me grounded, humble and gives me peace! 

This Thanksgiving Day, it’s not all about the food, the Native Americans or the Pilgrims, but about how sincerely grateful I am! Have an awesome Thanksgiving Day everyone!

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”

- 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Reflection in the Midnight Waters

While penning some thoughts in my journal of recollections from the day’s events, something mystical interrupted the flow of my writing. For many people who know me, you understand how fascinated I am by the celestial kaleidoscope that appears on a clear night, especially when there’s a full moon perched in the heavens among the stars. I must share this experience with you stargazers out there who would appreciate this reflection. On the first night of this New Year, January 1, 2010, I walked by one of the Palladian windows in our house and the bright light that reflected through the window magnetically drew me to its presence. If anyone noticed and if it was a clear night in your neck of the woods, there was a perfect full moon casting its heavenly bright light over the land. As I stood awestruck, I was compelled to get a better look at this breathtaking wonder from my back door.

We have a small lake at the back of our house, and while you could see the reflection of house lights rippling amid the currents in the midnight waters, the reflection of that full moon took center stage and was simply mesmerizing. I cannot begin to tell you what an ethereal feeling this was, just to stand there looking up at that bright, spotlight shining down on little ole me. I had to thank God for another opportunity to witness such an incredible gift that He created on the 4th day, in the Beginning.

So even if you missed this beautiful sight on that first night of this New Year, just remember that some of the most incredible beauty lies among the heavens in a galaxy beyond our grasp, but no doubt a panoramic snapshot reminding us to embrace its exquisiteness. A love song reminded me of these special moments of intimacy that was recorded by a group named The Stylistics (circa 1970’s). It’s called “Stop, Look, Listen (to your heart)”. Sometimes you feel so unworthy by the natural wonders that surround us in one way or another on a daily basis. However, I cherish those special moments, any time of the day or night, where I feel that incredible connection and intimacy with God. It is then, I am reminded, that I am anchored in His love, mercy and grace. So every now and then, look up and humbly embrace the presence of Almighty God through His awe-inspiring wonders. And the best part: There is no purchase required!