Happy Thanksgiving! It’s leftovers & stretchy pants for one & all! 😉
I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of feeling FULL. Not just because I stuffed myself yesterday, but in terms of my life.
Have you ever watched a child at a birthday party unwrapping presents? I, personally, find it quite fascinating.
They are utterly excited for the hidden gems fully decorated with bows and ribbons, pretty paper and topped with thoughtful cards.
But once the parent has given the “go”- it’s like a race to the end. Everything gets tossed aside. Unopened envelopes, tearing through gorgeously prepared wrapping, all to get to the center of it. The prize. What did I get??
They might ogle a moment, even want you to open it and test it out for a few… but as soon as another brightly colored box comes into view- the new gift gets tossed, and it’s onward. Always looking for the next big thing.
Shocking, isn’t it?!
I mean, where are their manners?!
Why aren’t they stopping to thank each and every party guest, acknowledging the thought & care that went into picking out the gift, and packaging each unique present?
Instead, we see them throwing each gift aside in search of more. After all- who doesn’t like more?
But wait.
Gut check.
I’m pretty sure I’ve done that exact same thing.
And not on my birthday.
And not when I was 6.
Ooooooooo.
Children have such a funny way of making me feel like I am looking in a mirror. It’s very humbling.
Let’s take a quick peek at the many things I have been given.
Blessings- I like to call them.
Each one arrives, sometimes neatly wrapped with a bow, my own name written in swirly letters and oozing with glitter on such a special occasion… Yet others come un-announced and seemingly un-frivolous. But non the less, they are blessings.
A special gift in my life.
It could be a person, a circumstance, a place, an experience, a feeling…
Am I able to recognize them when they arrive? Even the small ones? The unwrapped ones?
Can I give each blessing my full attention and overwhelming sense of gratitude?
Or do I find myself playing with the gift for a moment, and then reaching for the next pretty thing on the table?
Or even looking around when I feel, sadly, that everything has been opened… searching frantically through the mounds of tissue paper for more? There must be just one more…
Or is it enough?
Just enough.
Enough to make you Thankful.
And grateful.
And happy.
And full.
I promise you, this is the feeling. It’s a good one.
When you can take what you have, and decide it is enough.
Life changes.
Let’s do this together. It might take a while before it seems fully natural.
We’ve got to exercise this essential muscle… so forget the Tredmill, Stairclimber and weights.
Try thinking “Thank You”… for EVERYTHING.
It’s gonna hurt.
Really? Dirty diapers… no sleep… a stubbed toe… a stain on your new shirt…no more K CUPS???
Everything?
Yes. Everything.
It’s the only way to train ourselves to be truly grateful.
Not just for the delicious, pretty, amazing things.
And not just on Thanksgiving.
But for it all.
All the time.
Okay, I’m in.
I think.
But I’ll need you.
And I’ll need Him.
I’m off to count my blessings, and then take a nap. That turkey tryptophan is no joke!
Untill next time…🌟
Psalm 118:24
1 Thessalonians 5:18
