It’s that time of year when Thanksgiving is right around the
corner. The leaves have turned, the
temperature is dropping, and it’s almost here.
I think about gratitude a lot, all through the year, but I
seem to really focus on it at Thanksgiving time. Even when life has its troubles and
challengers, as this year sure has had for my family, we are blessed. We have so much to be thankful for. It's good to remember that.
I have a dear friend named Karen, who challenges us to be
extra mindful of gratitude every November.
She encourages us to post additions to a giant daily “gratitude list” on
line, at least three things per day. No repeats. I love this.
The start is simple. Family, friends, God, adequate food and
shelter are easy to list. But as the
days pass, I have to be more aware specifically of the things around me
(remember, no repeats!) Things like the community soccer field where my
grandson jubilantly plays. And his super
enthusiastic volunteer coach who is giving him amazing experiences.
And then there’s the little lady down the street in the house on
the corner who spends HOURS making the most beautiful gardens, in every
season. I enjoy the view every time I go
by. Exquisite. I don’t even know this
lady, but the awareness of this gratitude is convicting me to stop by and say
hi and thanks, next time I see her out there.
The gratitude list goes on. I list mine, and read others. It’s
inspiring. Motivation. Uplifting.
Why?
I’m clearly seeing that it’s next to impossible to be
overwhelmed by sadness or depression when you HAVE to keep your mind focused on
finding three new things to be grateful for each day. Gratitude really makes me happy, it seems.
Today?
1.
I’m grateful for my fellow writers, and the
joyful, challenging stories they write that are so comforting and encouraging. And fun!
2.
I’m grateful for the gift and motivation to
write my own stories, to keep my creative juices flowing.
3.
I’m grateful for Amazon Prime free shipping
(grin). Because I order a LOT of books!
How about you? What are you grateful for today? I’d love to
hear!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Love, Christine
Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic
mystery, and suspense. She can be found
living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats,
and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.
When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college,
and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family
Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!
Christine's “Sunny Smile” is a sweet
romantic mystery set on the Navajo reservation!
Christine, And we're grateful for YOU. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteRight back at ya, Josie!❤
ReplyDeleteChristine, thanks for the reminder to be grateful every day. I am so blessed. I have much to be grateful for.
ReplyDeleteFeels good to remember that!
DeleteGreat post. I'm grateful for my Lord, family and friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder. I started a planner for medical appointments. 3 things I am grateful for is now a planner post. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, too!
ReplyDelete