Giving thanks
Lately, I've been seeing a lot of blog posts that include lists of things for which the author is thankful. It's that time of year: Thanksgiving give some of us in this country a much-needed moment to pause and think about those things we are grateful for. Many of these posts touch on similar things: around the holidays, we all tend to think of our friends, family, and other loved ones. Sometimes it might be our work or church that we are grateful for, and sometimes it's something as simple as having the time to relax for an afternoon with a book.
The thing is, we should take more time to be thoughtful and thankful; we need more moments of contemplation and gratitude. Why should there be only one day of the year where we pause and take stock of where we are and which gifts God has granted us? We spend so much time rushing ahead to the next thing to accomplish, to check off our to-do lists, or looking backward in regret, that we forget to live in the present tense.
So today, I am stopping, thinking, and thanking God for these things:
I am thankful that today I caught myself singing aloud to the Christmas music playing in a store where I was shopping, and I smiled at myself. I even tossed a package of Christmas cards into my basket -- I actually am looking forward to writing personalized notes in Christmas cards to my family and friends, and connecting in this small but intimate way. I am thankful that I have chosen to not feel stressed or rushed about the impending Christmas holidays, and instead have been contemplating the meaning of this season.
I am thankful that I have a solid group of friends who support and love me, who listen when I tell them what's worrying me. I am thankful that I spent the evening with others, sharing the simple joys of eating cookies and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.
I am even thankful for my trip to the DMV today, where I was surprised to learn I had to take a driving test again. The woman administering the test was interested to learn about my life at seminary, and told me I had inspired her to start looking for a home church again. I am thankful for the chance to come through what could have been an annoying and stressful experience with grace and an opportunity to reach out to someone exploring her faith.
The thing is, we should take more time to be thoughtful and thankful; we need more moments of contemplation and gratitude. Why should there be only one day of the year where we pause and take stock of where we are and which gifts God has granted us? We spend so much time rushing ahead to the next thing to accomplish, to check off our to-do lists, or looking backward in regret, that we forget to live in the present tense.
So today, I am stopping, thinking, and thanking God for these things:
I am thankful that today I caught myself singing aloud to the Christmas music playing in a store where I was shopping, and I smiled at myself. I even tossed a package of Christmas cards into my basket -- I actually am looking forward to writing personalized notes in Christmas cards to my family and friends, and connecting in this small but intimate way. I am thankful that I have chosen to not feel stressed or rushed about the impending Christmas holidays, and instead have been contemplating the meaning of this season.
I am thankful that I have a solid group of friends who support and love me, who listen when I tell them what's worrying me. I am thankful that I spent the evening with others, sharing the simple joys of eating cookies and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas.
I am even thankful for my trip to the DMV today, where I was surprised to learn I had to take a driving test again. The woman administering the test was interested to learn about my life at seminary, and told me I had inspired her to start looking for a home church again. I am thankful for the chance to come through what could have been an annoying and stressful experience with grace and an opportunity to reach out to someone exploring her faith.
