Most Americans are familiar with the historical significance of our Thanksgiving Day celebration. How many of us fondly remember cutting out black and white pilgrim hats and orange construction paper turkeys as young children?
While the importance of this day should not be forgotten, I’d like to believe if we had a “give thanks-attitude” beyond the fourth Thursday of November, our families, communities, and world would be a more peaceful, joy-filled place to abide.
One of the ways to live out of a give-thanks-attitude is to keep a gratitude journal, which many of us do, or have done at one time or another.
On the other hand, as the years have unfolded, I find myself expressing thanks more often, and in more spontaneous ways. It is important and meaningful to give thanks to God, first and foremost, yet there are a multitude of other ways to express our appreciation. Maybe some of these will resonate with you.
Give thanks to your spouse for all they are, and all they do . . .
Give thanks to your children/grandchildren for being in your life . . .
Give thanks to your neighbors for being kind and thoughtful when you need a hand . . .
Give thanks to your postal carrier and the delivery drivers who bring packages to your door . . .
Give thanks to your priest, pastor, or spiritual guide/mentor for their wisdom and compassion . . .
Give thanks to the medical professionals who provide treatment with care and attention . . .
Give thanks to the educators, public service workers, and military who go above and beyond the call of duty . . .
And that’s only the beginning.
At any moment, of any day, there is something, or someone, for whom to give thanks. We just need to remember to offer our sentiments of gratitude without hesitation.
Which means that without further ado, I give thanks to each of you who take the time to read these posts. Appreciate you!
