Thanksgiving is Coming

A shift in focus was upon us as the new month rolled into view. November traditionally is viewed as the last month of Fall with Thanksgiving being the highlight for celebrating. Days seem to pass by at an ever increasing rate on the countdown to a new year. It is a shame that the celebrations are lumped together in such a way that we do not see them as individual holidays. Each one special in it's own right and with importance attached to it that should cause us to pause and consider the reasons we celebrate in the first place. I believe the retail market is the main culprit in blurring the identities of major holidays, but we are not absent of fault either. Most people, guilty in the past myself, see the next two months as one long to-do list. As we march into Thanksgiving, right through Christmas on our way to a New Year. In doing so we loose the opportunity to keep our focus crisp, clear and with the intent on seeing the blessings of each one, as they slip away. Rushing through the days in pursuit of the next thing on the list either written or circling in our heads. We miss out on the beauty, the simplicity of focus, the spirit of gratitude & love, the joy of remembering and every aspect wonderful to each holiday.

I for one want a different view from the ones I have had in the past about Thanksgiving. Slowing my steps will ensure a better, clearer focus of what is around me. Granting me the time to soak up the goodness of God and cultivating a heart of gratitude. Not only for the too big to miss things in my life, but the ones so small, quietly tucked into it as well. They are the ones I believe hold the most joy at times. For only when our focus is sharp and our spirit still, do we get to see all that God wants to show us. I still have several more of my Fall Favorites to yet enjoy off the list I've posted. Many thankfully have been experienced already and thoroughly enjoyed. Each one will give me plenty to be thankful for, along with this past year's blessings. Not to mention all that possibly lies before me this Thanksgiving. That's what the day is really about you know, giving thanks to God for where HE has brought you to and for all of His provisions along the way. What do you have to be thankful for? Be sure to. . . .

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Taken from a treasured 1940 Broadman Hymnal that always sat by my Granny's chair.

Deborah