The Simplicity of Giving Thanks

As I move toward the week of Thanksgiving, the words "thanks" and "giving" seem to be highlighted all around me - everywhere!

I like this holiday called Thanksgiving!  In fact, I like it so much, I don't do anything "Christmas" until after Thanksgiving is finished so as not to distract me from fully embracing Thanksgiving!

I like Thanksgiving; it's simple! Decorations are low key, shopping is limited mostly to groceries, and there's no obligation to design a card, include a family portrait, or write a state of the family letter; though I do enjoy writing many little "thank you" notes during the month of November. 

It's a simple little holiday; though the implications of giving thanks and showing gratitude are monumental!  The tiny exercise of finding just one blessing for which to be thankful trains my heart and mind to recognize the good in my life.  Over time, a natural lifestyle of thankfulness is developing in me.

Gratitude is similar.  Smiling and saying thank you takes a moment, but reaps a bounty of smiles and kind words in return.  One of my favorite Thanksgiving activities is to take a pack of sticky notes or index cards and write "I appreciate you!" or a Scripture verse on them, subsequently distributing these small gifts of gratitude to random people who divinely cross my path.  Talk about turning a frown upside down!

I think, to miss thanksgiving is to miss profound truth and valuable opportunities.  Giving thanks causes me to pause

and think about others rather than focus on myself, and creates opportunity to encourage people and appreciate blessings; resulting in a more joyful and content me!  

Besides it's really simple and fun!  Yes, indeed, Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays.  Thank you for letting me share why!