Ways to Give Thanks; A New Season

November is here! I can’t believe it! A new month, a new season, and lots of new changes. This time of year brings about everything pumpkin spice, hoodies, leggings, smell of campfires, color changes, hayrides, rustling of falling leaves, football games and family. It also brings about a state of mind change for so many. For me, it’s a time to be mindful of all the blessings God has given us. It’s a time to be more aware of how blessed we truly are.

 

Fall is my favorite time of year. I am reminded of all the things for which I am grateful and thankful. It seems like November is the month where we are all privy to more gratefulness in our heart and I hope you are feeling grateful, too. But, did you know that we can be thankful all year? Yes, its true. Not only for the month of November, but all the other times of the year as well. I know our lives can be filled with our busy schedules and hectic lives, that we forget to stop and be thankful. We can spend the month of November being thankful when we should have a heart of thankfulness all year long. 

 

Fall brings about change. I absolutely love the leaves falling from trees, the beautiful landscaped colors showing all of God’s natural glory, the cooler weather, and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to warm my soul. Variations of pumpkins are everywhere, hayrides are numerous, jumping in leaf piles brings fun memories, and a good book curled up under a blanket heals the weary soul from a long week of work. Our senses come alive at this time. It affects the clothes we wear, certain smells in the air that come with crisp, cool weather, and it allows us a time to reflect. I enjoy driving down roads lined with trees that boast all the colors of Fall; a painter’s dream that they wish they could recreate. What does this season do to your soul? I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the feelings and memories you have and enjoy the small blessings along the way.

 

Do you struggle with giving thanks? I know during this season, it is easier not to struggle because we are reminded. But at other times, it can be difficult to do so. Throughout the year, we go on with our regular routines, schedules, and activities that often times, we just don’t stop and thank the Lord. I’m not talking about blessing the food at the dinner table, but really sitting down, getting some alone time, and thanking God for all His blessings. If you are like me, and sometimes forget to give thanks, I have some help for you. Here are a few ways that help me to be mindful of giving thanks not only this month, but all year long too.

 

Count your blessings all year. Keep a thankful jar in your home and write down things you are grateful for; small and big blessings. Keep them all. During the month of November, you can share them with your family. Keep a gratitude journal. Write them down, make a list, and reflect on those. Use your talents and skills to bless someone else. Go out and serve someone, help someone in need, and get involved in something your passionate about. Not only will you make a difference in someone else’s life, you are impacting your own. Don’t forget about handwritten notes and sentiments. Those are almost extinct now. Get out a piece of paper or card and write a sweet note to someone, send an unsolicited surprise, or just simply say, “thanks!” Try some of these ideas out and see how it works for you. My prayer is that we all become more thankful and grateful to the Lord. 

 

The Psalmist writes in Psalms 106:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” God’s goodness is everlasting and we should be giving Him all our thanks, not just this month and season, but all year long. Will you join me? Will you make it a priority to thank God and be grateful for His bountiful blessings? Will you make Him known to your family and friends this season, that He is our blessing giver? When you sit down at the table this month to enjoy a feast with your family and friends this holiday season, thank God for the blessings of life and freedom in Christ. 

 

May you all have a wonderful and blessed month ahead.

Your friend,

Stacy