“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder… When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K. Chesterton
Thanksgiving arrives tomorrow in the U.S. For many of us this year’s holiday will differ greatly from years past. It may not be the Thanksgiving we hoped or planned due to the current escalation of COVID-19 in our country.
Things are difficult right now. It may take a bit of doing to be grateful.
This week we may not be together in person to share celebratory feasts, but we can still partake with thanksgiving by giving our hearts a gratitude workout.
It’s easy to be thankful when good things fill our lives, but an attitude of gratitude goes a long way when life is hard. Perhaps because it’s difficult, we can appreciate the good in our lives even more.
Living overseas this redhead missed many Thanksgivings – it was a workday, not a holiday. One year in Tanzania after a long day of meetings I picked up Indian take-away at 9:00PM, partaking with gratitude when my parents called to wish me “Happy Thanksgiving!” All those Thanksgivings away from family made me appreciate their love and presence in my life even more.
Maybe this year we can’t be with loved ones, but we can give thanks for their love. We can also thank God for constants in our lives, what keeps love and hope growing in our hearts.
Papa gave thanks to God every day for Mama!!
My (in-pain-24/7) bedfast quadriplegic papa began every morning by giving thanks. Papa couldn’t even wipe his nose, but he always said: “My blessings outweigh my challenges.” Every morning he counted his blessings then asked God for help facing his challenges.
Taking a lesson from my papa, why not pause and give our hearts a gratitude workout today? Thank God for Heavenly paintbrushes busy around us and within us, the provision of vibrant grace to face our challenges, for our loved ones near and far, and for the presence of Eternal Love in our hearts…
We are never alone!
grace, peace & gratitude workouts
Virginia : )
“It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.” Tim Keller
Roses in the Rubble 
Happy Thanksgiving to you, V, as well! Favorite line: “Maybe this year we can’t be with loved ones, but we can give thanks for their love.”
Tim, we made Big Plans for a big celebration (my niece with her 4 kiddies we haven’t seen in 4 yrs were meant to come from MS + other fam from afar) but given current context all plans changed. Now just a few of us will gather outside my sister’s home, masks in tow. (I’m still cooking lots of dishes, that hasn’t changed!)
Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving, Tim – I’m grateful for your blogging friendship & encouragement these many years! Hugs! VA ✨🍁✨🦃✨
Virginia! Glad you’re looking at the bigger picture. It’s hard to stay apart, absolutely. But I keep thinking of those potential unwitting victims [and spreaders, for that matter]. But nice job of cooking your way through the uncertainty. There’s nothing more certain than the smell of fresh biscuits meandering its way down a hallway… Take care.
Oh Tim, we didn’t have biscuits on the menu – but my sis called on Thanksgiving Eve with a request, so I added cheese-applesauce biscuits to the baking making list. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. I know whatever you baked up = yumminess! Blessings, Tim.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Virginia 🙂
Thank you Arlene- and blessings to you and your family in the Philippines! 💐🌟🤗🌟💐
A wonderfully written Thanksgiving challenge, GL … love you and miss you❣️
We missed, missed, MISSED YOU SO MUCH Cindy! But, we have all those wonderful memories of past celebrations. Love you to the moon and back – your sis!
Happy Thanksgiving, Virginia! Sounds like your papa blessed you with an attitude of gratitude, no matter the circumstances. And what a wonderful way to celebrate every day!
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving, Debbie. It may not be easy, but “thanksliving” (as my Papa taught by his life) seems like a good idea. Blessings and blogging hugs!