It’s already November, just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving!   The supermarket will be well supplied with turkeys.  Cranberry sauce will appear on the endcaps.   Pies will be abundant.  Time to be sure my tablecloth is ironed and ready!

Oops, this year will  be quite different.   Large gatherings of family and/or friends?  Not likely.  A big bird that will feed a crowd?  I don’t think so.   Joining hands with family around the table to give our thanks to God?  No, not that either.

It makes me wonder just how thankful I’ll be on November 26^th, or will it be a disappointing and lonely holiday, sheltering in place alone?

Sometimes it takes an effort to find something to be grateful for.  Gratitude is not always easy; it doesn’t always feel natural.   It may take a conscious decision to be thankful, even when our circumstances are disheartening.   But despite our feelings, it’s a decision we can make.  Thanksgiving is a discipline. It is a practice. It is something we continuously work at and improve upon. It requires growing in mindfulness and choosing to see God’s presence in all the little and big moments of life.  Whatever the day may bring, it is the day the Lord has made.  We can rejoice and be glad in it!   His unconditional love flows to us on each and every day.

Here’s a simple Thanksgiving song, but one with a great message.   No more complaining . . . in all things give thanks to Jesus.

Judy