The Thanks Challenge

 Maroon, gold, and chestnut brown leaves decorate the earth in the Northwest as trees feel the change of the seasons. As the leaves fall and cover the ground, we are reminded about the grace that fills our lives. These simple gifts cover us and enlist our gratitude, yet why aren’t we more grateful? Why does that gratitude seem so fleeting? Gratitude seems so basic, so simple, and can even be overwhelming when we think about the many things that we are thankful for.

Reviving the gift of gratitude beckons us in this particular time of the year. 

Let’s make a point this month to commit to a lifestyle of giving thanks. 

Ready for something new? Here is a challenge for you.

1. Every day until Thanksgiving choose two things for which you are thankful. 

2. Write them down as a note on your phone, or on an old-fashioned sticky note, or on the bathroom mirror (just be sure to use a dry erase pen) and then make a point to tell someone every day. 

3. Just mention what you are thankful for to a friend, family, co-worker, neighbor, or even the cashier at the Dollar Store.  

I know for myself, when I sit down and really reflect upon all that I am grateful for, it makes me wonder how I ever allow myself to go through life taking so much for granted. 

I bet that if we recognize the gifts of grace that surround our lives and express gratitude for them, we would have more JOY. 

By expressing gratitude for the celebrations, meaningful events, simple pleasures, and even the challenges and difficulties that sharpen us it brings contentment and peace into our hearts. And when we take time to tell others the things/people for which we are thankful, we encourage them to reflect upon their own life, as well. 

Together let’s make a commitment to be bold about thankfulness and allow daily gratitude to revive your heart this entire month of November and into Thanksgiving!