A Month of Thanksgiving – What Thanksgiving Does for You

“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.”
—Charles E. Jefferson

Today has not been a good day, and I’ve felt stressed to the point of having chest pains. Several things happened that had to do with not having enough money, plus other things went on that are overwhelming as a single mother with enough on her plate already. I call this Single Mom Syndrome—when a single mother is so upset that she feels overwhelmed, vulnerable, unprotected, not provided for, and, many times, hopeless. In the past I would say to the Lord, “You could have stopped this—why didn’t You?”, but I’m determined not to do that now. I’m determined to trust the Lord despite the circumstances. It’s so hard. It seems every time I say something about thanksgiving or trust, the devil really lets me have it.:) Today (and for the last few weeks) I kept reminding God of His promises to take care of me and the children. Reminding Him reminds me.:)

I’ve been learning how much it helps when things go wrong to start counting your blessings. I made it a point to thank the Lord for all the good things that happened today. This truly helps my perspective. (A good nap, some southern ice sweet tea, and some chocolate doesn’t hurt either.:) ) It helps also to go back and remember harder times and how God brought us through them.

God was so good in telling us to offer Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving. He did it for Himself and, maybe, even more so, for ourselves.

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:14-15).

Would you like to join me?