As I was reading Jonathan Welton’s blog on Thanksgiving the other day, I came to the end of it and saw his suggestion to write out 50 things or people I was thankful for. It sounded like a wonderful idea!
I thought about what I would put on the list, and who I was thankful for all day long, but never put pen to paper. Instead, I waited until yesterday morning to sit down and start compiling.
It wasn’t as easy as I supposed.
Sure, Paul was first on my list and next came my relationship with Papa and His mighty abundance in my life – soon to be followed by children and family members.
Next I wrote down how thankful I was for my kitchen and all the equipment I am blessed to have – it is my place of solace after all, (smile).I was sure to include all the material blessings I have; my kitties and my neighbor’s kitty too!
…Speaking of neighbors, they were included also.
As I kept adding things to my list, I realized that I needed to stop and begin adding names of the people who I am so overwhelmingly blessed to have speak into my life
I began writing.
Name after name was added to the list. As soon as someone was added another name would come up in my heart and I added them to the list.
On and on it went.
Before I knew it, I had well exceeded the suggested 50 items or people.
And I wasn’t finished!
More names and faces appeared before me and a smile would blossom on my face at the remembrance of their love, their kind and encouraging words.
Once I began being thankful for what I have and for the people I surround myself with, I realized there was no room for complaining anymore. And even though I hadn’t been complaining really, I hadn’t been actively conscious of how much I have to be thankful for.
I find it interesting how simply reading a blog post of someone I have never even met can set me on a course of remembering how much I am loved and blessed! And the really great thing is, it happens almost every time I read something that YOU have written from your heart. It speaks loudly in my life.
When I left Facebook for a season, I deleted everything. That means, when I returned I started completely over with my friends and contacts. It also means most of you have been hand-picked to speak into my life and can I say: You rock!! You are amazing! Many of you I have not had the chance to meet face to face yet. But that doesn’t even matter really – I get love you and appreciate you every time we connect. It’s one of the most wonderful things in the world.
Oh, I just thought of one more name! I can’t forget to add you to the list!
Jesus said that, “from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (Mt 12:34)”
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May your heart be overflowing this day. May the words of your mouth only speak life!
